Qatar Airways Cargo is planning to expand its presence at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), including increased flight frequencies and new routes, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK).
The agreement strengthens the existing partnership between the airport and the Doha-based cargo carrier, which currently operates around 56 weekly flights from Hong Kong across its global network using a combination of passenger belly capacity and dedicated freighters.
As part of the expansion, Qatar Airways Cargo has relocated its regional office to Hong Kong, effective immediately, giving the carrier a larger local presence in one of Asia’s most important air cargo markets.
Under the MoU, the two parties will work to strengthen connectivity between HKIA and Qatar Airways Cargo’s global network. The carrier intends to increase frequencies and develop new routes through Hong Kong, further expanding the airport’s international cargo connectivity.
The agreement was signed by Chapman Fong, Director of Hub Development at AAHK, and Eric Wilson, Senior Vice President Cargo Sales at Qatar Airways Cargo.
The partnership will also explore cooperation in areas including operational excellence, service enhancement and sustainable development. Talent development is another focus, with opportunities for training through courses offered by the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy.
Mable Chan, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Transport and Logistics, welcomed the establishment of Qatar Airways Cargo’s regional office in the city.
“I welcome Qatar Airways Cargo to establish its regional office in Hong Kong, reflecting the airline’s strong confidence in and recognition of Hong Kong’s position as an international aviation hub,” Chan said.
“Hong Kong and Qatar have long enjoyed a strong foundation of cooperation in aviation. The MoU signed today is of strategic significance and will elevate the partnership between the two places to a new level.”
Strengthening Hong Kong’s cargo network
For AAHK, the agreement comes as HKIA seeks to strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive Asian air cargo market.
Vivian Cheung, Chief Executive Officer of AAHK, said the agreement reflected a joint commitment to improving connectivity through the airport.
“The MoU between AAHK and Qatar Airways Cargo marks our joint commitment to enhance air services and connectivity through HKIA,” she said.
Cheung added that Qatar Airways Cargo’s planned expansion would provide further opportunities to strengthen Hong Kong’s position in the global cargo market.
“The air cargo market in the region is highly competitive. We welcome the intention of Qatar Airways Cargo to expand its business presence in Hong Kong by increasing flight frequency and developing new routes via Hong Kong,” she said.
“We will continue to attract and work with different airlines with a view to further strengthening our connectivity and competitiveness.”
Qatar Airways Cargo’s existing operation provides a combination of belly-hold and freighter capacity, allowing the carrier to serve a broad range of cargo flows through its Doha hub and wider global network.
The planned increase in frequencies and development of new routes will give shippers additional options for moving cargo between Hong Kong, the Middle East and other international markets.
The relocation of the regional office also gives Qatar Airways Cargo a stronger commercial and operational base in Hong Kong as it looks to capture opportunities arising from the region’s growing cargo demand.
For HKIA, meanwhile, the agreement forms part of a wider strategy to attract additional airline capacity and strengthen its global connectivity. With Qatar Airways Cargo deepening its commitment to the airport, the partnership is expected to support further development of Hong Kong as a major international cargo gateway.
