The flow of airfreight at the new Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok continues to improve significantly, with a total of 4,617 tonnes of cargo processed on Sunday (July 27).

The figure represents 95 per cent of the daily average volume handled in 1997 (daily throughput figures are based on the number of incoming and outgoing flights). A week ago, the total throughput at the airport was 2,632 tonnes or 54 per cent of the daily average volume of last year.

Of the total, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (HACTL) processed 3,713 tonnes, including imports, exports, and express cargo. The remaining 904 tonnes were handled by Asia Airfreight Terminal (AAT). These figures excluded Hong Kong cargo handled at the nearby Macau and Huangtian airports.

Regarding air passenger traffic, some 29,000 people passed through the airport between mid-night and 2.00 pm on July 27 (Hong Kong time). Two-thirds of all flights left on time or within 15 minutes of schedule. The average waiting time for baggage was 15 minutes.

Commenting on the latest cargo figures, the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government, Mr Donald Tong, said: "The disruption of air cargo service is expected to gradually diminish as the major handler HACTL continues to make progress with its recovery plan. There should be no long-term impact on Hong Kong's air cargo industry. Hong Kong will continue to maintain its position as an air cargo hub."

For further information please contact Chief Information Officer, Mr Frank Chuan at telephone No. (416) 9245544.