Cathay Cargo has transported 250 artefacts weighing more than 30 tonnes from Shanghai to Hong Kong for the upcoming "Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums" exhibition at the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM), jointly organised with the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) of Egypt.

The artefacts will go on display at HKPM for nine months from November 20, 2025, furthering cultural exchange between Egypt, the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong. ​ ​

"Ancient Egypt Unveiled" marks the largest, most comprehensive, and longest-running display of ancient Egyptian treasures in Hong Kong.

For the first time, Hong Kong will exhibit museum artefacts and the latest archaeological findings directly loaned from Egypt.

 [Photo: Cathay Cargo]

Cathay Cargo Director Dominic Perret said the shipment reflects the airline's role in supporting both cultural exchange and commercial activity. "We are honoured to support the transport of these remarkable treasures to Hong Kong," he said. "It underscores both our expertise in handling sensitive shipments through our Cathay Secure solution, and our commitment to facilitating Hong Kong's position as a centre for international cultural exchange."

The shipment was carried on a Cathay Cargo flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong using specialist equipment including two 20-foot pallets, one oversized pallet, 12 lower-deck pallets and shock-absorbing dollies.

Handled under Cathay Cargo's highest standards of care, the artefacts were escorted by an Egyptian courier and supervised by experts in Shanghai to ensure the safe transport of every piece.

"This shipment demonstrates how our teams in the Chinese Mainland work seamlessly with airports, customs and partners to deliver delicate, high-value goods with precision and care," Perret said.

The shipment was coordinated with Shanghai Airport Authority, customs, ground handlers, and Cathay Cargo, which arranged expedited clearance through a dedicated channel. Pre-document checks and fast-track screening over three days helped streamline the process.

This project builds on Cathay's long-standing support for arts and culture, including its three-year collaboration with the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) to promote Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

Earlier this year, Cathay Cargo also transported a number of terracotta figures and over 200 artefacts from Xi’an to Perth via Hong Kong.