In addition to the homegrown Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC), scheduled for this coming November, Hong Kong is set to host several inaugural events, including the IATA World Cargo Symposium 2024, Aero-Engines Asia-Pacific 2024, and Super Terminal Expo 2024.
We are thrilled that Hong Kong has become the destination of choice for multiple aviation and logistic events! The city’s status as an aviation hub with a globally connected transportation network, a future-proof Airport City development, top- notch convention venues and a gateway to the GBA makes it a strategic choice in the region to host major industry events.
Hong Kong as an aviation hub
Airport City as a booster for business events
In a bid to bolster its connectivity with both the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the global stage, HKIA is undergoing a remarkable evolution, transitioning from a mere city airport into a bustling Airport City.
Underpinning this transformation is a robust expansion strategy, highlighted by the Three-runway System. This ambitious endeavor will amplify the airport’s capacity by an impressive 50%, empowering it to accommodate a staggering 120 million passengers and facilitate the movement of 10 million tonnes of cargo annually. The blueprint also encompasses the fortification of the multimodal network with GBA cities, realized through cutting-edge cross-border infrastructure, including the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. This seamless travel conduit not only ensures convenient journeys via Hong Kong but also stimulates enhanced multi-destination exchanges and explorations throughout the region.
At the core of the Airport City development lies the expansion of AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), strategically located adjacent to the international airport. AWE’s expansion will unveil the city’s largest indoor arena, boasting a seating capacity exceeding 20,000. This pivotal addition serves as a magnet for large-scale events, injecting vibrant energy into the city’s event hosting landscape.
These progressive enhancements catapult the city into a role of paramount importance as a super-connector. This stature enables Hong Kong to harness a plethora of business prospects emanating from the lucrative GBA market and beyond, fueling the growth trajectory of Hong Kong’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.
I am thrilled to bring significant industry events to our city, which reflects the role of Hong Kong as a leading aviation, transportation and logistics hub. As a member of the Hong Kong Convention Ambassador programme, I look forward to welcoming even more business events and delegates from around the world.
AWE takes immense pride in facilitating transformative dialogues set to redefine the transportation and logistics sectors. The events will demonstrate the unprecedented synergies that can be achieved in all-in-one Lantau, the heart of Hong Kong’s transport network, comprises of new hotels, the city's largest hub for retail, dining and entertainment – 11SKIES, and an award-winning MICE venue.
IATA World Cargo Symposium to be hosted in Hong Kong for the first time
Having held the prestigious position of the world’s foremost air cargo hub for numerous years, HKIA is poised to take on the role of the host airport for the 2024 edition of the IATA World Cargo Symposium in March. Anticipated to draw a diverse assembly of over 1,000 participants from across the globe, the conference is dedicated to addressing a spectrum of topics encompassing technology and innovation, security and customs, cargo operations, and sustainability.
Hong Kong has the elements needed to retain its status as an important aviation hub for both passengers and air cargo. This includes having a strong hub airline, Cathay Pacific, as well as having the experience and expertise in handling perishable goods, lithium batteries and other dangerous cargo. I am confident that Hong Kong’s traffic will return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024, three years earlier than previously expected. This is in line with expectations of a faster recovery in the Asia- Pacific region.
Super Terminal Expo 2024 inaugural in Hong Kong to capture world’s fastest growing market
The Asia-Pacific region is the largest global logistics and passenger transport market, and Hong Kong sits right at its heart. We are delighted to host the inaugural Super Terminal Expo in this thriving market. Right before the flagship exhibition, we will also host Aero-Engines Asia-Pacific 2024 as part of Aviation Week Network’s Aero-Engines series in the city in April 2024. These events present a raft of opportunities that will allow businesses to tap into the growing demand for logistics and passenger transportation services.
