Ground handling leader Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (HACTL) reinforced its commitment to operational safety and industry best practice by hosting the 15th International Forklift and Pallet Building Competition, bringing together airline cargo professionals from around the world.
The event took place at HACTL’s flagship cargo facility, SuperTerminal 1, one of the world’s largest independent air cargo handling terminals. The competition has become a regular feature on the industry calendar, designed to highlight the importance of precision, efficiency and safety in air cargo ground handling operations.
International airlines showcase cargo handling skills
This year’s competition attracted teams from ten international airlines, representing a broad cross-section of global cargo operators. Participating carriers included Air Canada, Cargolux, China Southern Airlines, Emirates SkyCargo, EVA Air, Finnair, IAG Cargo, Japan Airlines, Nippon Cargo Airlines and SF Airlines, alongside the host team from HACTL.
Around 300 spectators attended the event, which brought together cargo professionals, airline representatives and aviation officials to celebrate operational excellence in cargo handling.
Testing precision and operational safety
The competition featured two core challenges reflecting real-world air cargo terminal operations.
The forklift driving competition required participants to navigate forklift trucks through a series of complex manoeuvring courses designed to simulate the operational environment of a busy cargo terminal. Contestants were evaluated on their precision handling, speed and adherence to strict safety procedures, highlighting the critical role forklift operators play in maintaining safe cargo movements.
The pallet building competition tested the teams’ ability to efficiently build cargo pallets within a one-hour time limit. Participants were required to palletise as much cargo as possible while maintaining strict compliance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) cargo handling standards, including correct load contours and weight distribution.
This task replicates the real operational demands faced by cargo handlers responsible for preparing shipments for aircraft loading while ensuring stability, safety and regulatory compliance.
Japan Airlines dominates the competition
Japan Airlines delivered an exceptional performance across the various contests, emerging as the overall champion of the event.
The airline secured multiple top honours, including:
- Overall Champion
- Forklift Competition Winner
- Forklift Driving Safety Award
- Pallet Building Competition Winner
- Best Cheering Team Award
The sweeping victory demonstrated the airline’s strong emphasis on training, operational discipline and safety-focused cargo handling practices.
Strong support from Hong Kong aviation authorities
The competition also received high-level support from government and industry leaders in Hong Kong’s aviation and logistics sectors.
Guests of honour included Mr. Liu Chun San, Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics; Ms. Cissy Chan, Executive Director, Commercial at Airport Authority Hong Kong; Mr. Wan Chi Ping, Assistant Commissioner for Labour (Occupational Safety) at the Labour Department; and Ms. Bonnie Yau, Executive Director of the Occupational Safety and Health Council.
Their presence highlighted the importance placed on occupational safety standards and operational excellence within Hong Kong’s aviation cargo ecosystem.
Reinforcing safety culture in air cargo operations
Michelle Choi, Acting Chief Executive of HACTL, emphasised that the event reflects the company’s broader mission to support safety improvements across the global air cargo industry.
“As a leader in the cargo handling arena, HACTL constantly strives for the overall betterment of the entire air cargo industry, and operational safety is always one of our top priorities,” Choi said.
She added that the competition provides a platform to recognise best practices while strengthening collaboration among industry partners worldwide.
By combining skill-based challenges with industry engagement, the competition continues to play a role in promoting safe cargo handling procedures, workforce training and operational efficiency, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a leading global air cargo hub.
