Airport Authority Hong Kong is stepping up its support for digital trade finance by tapping into cargo data from Hong Kong International Airport.

During the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's (HKMA) Data Summit 2025, AAHK –as a member of HKMA's Expert Panel on Project CargoX, noted that it is working to advance a digital ecosystem for trade finance by leveraging its HKIA Cargo Data Platform—positioning air cargo as a strategic asset in streamlining cross-border transactions.

Launched in 2021, the HKIA Cargo Data Platform is a blockchain-enabled digital ecosystem network that connects key air cargo stakeholders, including freight forwarders, airlines, and cargo terminal operators, to enable seamless information exchange and efficient workflow.

AAHK said with the consent of participating platform users, sharing air cargo logistics data collected through the HKIA Cargo Data Platform with financial institutions enables them to gain deeper insights into their clients' operational status and business performance.

This enhanced visibility also helps streamline trade finance processes and facilitates the delivery of financing services.

AAHK noted that the initiative is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the logistics and trading sector, providing timely access to essential financial support that fosters growth and long-term competitiveness.

"Hong Kong International Airport is the world's number one cargo airport, a position we have held 14th times since 2010. To further enhance our competitiveness, we must continue to leverage the power of technology, and digitalisation of the air cargo supply chain is one of the key steps to achieve greater efficiency and enable value-added services," said Fred Lam, chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong.

"Leveraging our cargo data on the HKIA Cargo Data Platform and in collaboration with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's Commercial Data Interchange, we are able to facilitate SMEs' financing process and enhance credit risk management."

"We welcome continuous development in this area and anticipate further opportunities for collaboration with HKMA and other business partners to develop Hong Kong into an international cross-border the region's leading e-commerce fulfillment centre," Lam added.

HKIA Cargo Connect

As a pioneer in air cargo digitalisation, AAHK took another step forward this year with the launch of HKIA Cargo Connect - the world's first airport-led initiative to facilitate airline partnerships through an innovative, intelligent and interconnected digital ecosystem, unlocking new business and collaboration opportunities.

HKIA Cargo Connect enables intelligent matchmaking for airline partnerships by offering airlines enhanced visibility of flight schedules, aircraft type, terminal connection time, related operational requirements, and more.

The announcement noted that this solution directly addresses the industry's longstanding challenges of fragmented and manual communications in establishing industry partnerships to foster more business opportunities for all.

By connecting airlines across the globe, HKIA Cargo Connect will also reinforce HKIA's position as a preferred global air cargo hub and help reshape the international air cargo landscape.