The disruption and delay in air freight at the newly opened Hong Kong International Airport is set to continue through to the end of August, as Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals (HACTL) struggles to overcome computer problems and to bring its "Super Terminal One" back on line.
According to Hong Kong Government estimates, HACTL's 10-day suspension in services 48h after the new airport's 5 July opening, combined with continuing projected delays through to the end of August, will cost the territory HK$4.6 billion in lost income and shave the equivalent of 0.35% off its gross domestic product.
HACTL has announced a four-phase recovery programme, attaining its initial target by 18 July of handling 50% of its normal 4,800t weekly throughput and so enabling it to lift the ban on imports and bulk exports. It hopes to increase this to 75% by the end of July and 100% by mid-August, but expects still to use both the new airport and HACTL's old Kai Tak Airport facilities. The final phase calls for the resumption of full operations at Chek Lap Kok's Super Terminal One by the end of August.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong has been allowing cargo to pass through neighbouring Shenzhen and Macau. Courier carriers, such as UPS and DHL, have laid on on extra Hong Kong flights to carry freight normally conveyed in the belly of passenger aircraft, but which HACTL is still unable to handle. The express delivery companies use a smaller self-handling centre at Chek Lap Kok and have not been affected by HACTL's computer failures.
Hong Kong chief executive Tung Chee-hwa and the region's Ombudsman have announced separate inquiries into the chaotic opening of the airport, marred by disrupted flights and breakdowns in baggage handling and flight information display systems. Passenger services appear to be improving, with the Airport Authority claiming by 23 July that 75% of flights depart within 15min of schedule.
Source: Flight International
