In attendance were the Association’s Committee and many government officials, with the event presided over by guest of honour Ms. Mable Chan, JP, Secretary for Transport and Logistics, and guest speaker The Hon. Frankie Yick, Transport Functional Constituency Legislative Council Member. 

HAFFA Chairman Mr. Gary Lau congratulated members for ensuring Hong Kong retained its status as the world’s busiest air cargo hub after a 14% year-on-year increase in air cargo, handling over 4,900,000 tons in 2024, despite myriad challenges. These include prevailing global uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, intense competition from neighbouring airports, and manpower challenges. 

Commented Mr. Lau: “We congratulate all members and stakeholders on this tremendous achievement, and thank everyone for their hard work.” Before reiterating the association’s commitment to its members and the industry: “HAFFA continues to represent Members' interests at the government level, striving to secure the most favorable business environment.” 

Reflecting on HAFFA’s achievements over the last twelve months, Mr. Lau highlighted the association’s initiative regarding the Government’s Regulated Cargo Fuel Surcharge (CFS) Mechanism. Having further negotiated an additional six-month extension to the regulatory mechanism, HAFFA implemented the compilation and publication of a monthly centralized master table of airlines CFS levels. In addition to providing this vital barometer, and as well as meeting with government officials regularly to discuss the issue, HAFFA closely monitors prevailing market conditions in real time. 

Remaining at the forefront of industry innovation, HAFFA again achieved a number of firsts in 2024. 

As a boon to both the national Belt and Road Initiative and HAFFA members, Mr. Lau signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Kazakhstan and KAZLOGISTICS during the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Hong Kong Logistics Mission to the country in August 2024. The landmark initiative makes HAFFA the first Hong Kong association to formalize such a partnership, which aims to create greater opportunities for cooperation and development to both members and the wider industry.  

Another landmark achievement was accomplished when HAFFA became the first Hong Kong cargo logistics association appointed to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Regional Private Sector Group – Asia Pacific. An active participant in the E-Commerce Working Group, sharing logistics industry policies relating to customs and international trade, the platform enables HAFFA to foster collaborations between customs authorities and the private sector. 

Also in the field of customs, HAFFA was honoured with the Elite Enterprise Partnership Award from the Hong Kong Customs & Excise Department for the second consecutive year. 

During an action-packed year of activities, and in addition to HAFFA’s ongoing programmes of educational initiatives and talent development, government liaison, webinars, delegations, fact-finding missions and community outreach, another highlight was the association’s pavilion at the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC). Enthusiastically supported by members, HAFFA’s continued presence at Hong Kong’s largest airfreight and maritime conference reinforces its position as a leading association in the cargo industry. 

Bringing the industry together in celebration of the historic opening of Hong Kong International’s three-runway system, HAFFA is organizing the first-ever “Hong Kong Air Cargo & Logistics Football Tournament”, which kicked off on November 30, 2024, and concludes with an awards ceremony on May 16 this year. Inviting participation by stakeholders from the government and the airport community, the tournament has been received with unprecedented enthusiasm, and is the biggest sporting event in the history of the industry.