Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) released its tonnage throughput for September and the third quarter of 2010. A total of 242,043 tonnes were handled in the month, representing a year-on-year growth of 14.0%. Tonnage throughout for the third quarter was 743,699 tonnes while cumulative tonnage for the first nine months of the year was 2,133,470 tonnes, representing a year-on-year growth of 19.9% and 31.4% respectively.

Export volume was 136,723 tonnes for September and 412,580 tonnes for the third quarter, representing an increase of 16.8% and 25.7% year-on-year for the respective periods. Cumulative export tonnage for the first nine months of the year was 1,165,402 tonnes, increased by 38.3% against the same period last year. Export volume to China, Europe and the USA for the first nine month of the year recorded a growth of 37.7%, 40.2% and 39.4% respectively as the global economy continued to rebound from a low base in 2009.

Import volume for September registered a 4.9% increase on a year-on-year basis to 60,432 tonnes. Aggregate import volume for the third quarter was 188,947 tonnes, up 11.8%. Cumulative import tonnage for the first nine months of the year was 555,108 tonnes, up 26.3% against the same period last year. Import volume from China, Europe and the USA for the first nine months of the year increased by 14.0%, 28.7% and 43.4% respectively against the same period last year.

The transshipment volume was 44,888 tonnes for September, and 142,172 tonnes for the third quarter, representing a year-on-year growth of 19.0% and 15.6% for the respective periods. Total transshipment volume for the first nine months was 412,960 tonnes, up 20.7% year-on-year.

Ms Lilian Chan, General Manager, Marketing and Customer Service said, 'With the earlier restocking of the inventory cycle almost completed and the higher base effect in the second half of 2009, we observed signs of milder growth in the third quarter. Nevertheless, demand for airfreight remains strong and we are still optimistic about the overall outlook in 2010. We will continue to stay focused over the global economy's growth prospects, while ensuring our high quality service provision will always support the growth momentum of our customers.'

The summary of the export, import and transshipment volumes is tabulated as follows:

Tonnage handled by Hactl in September, the third quarter and the first nine months of 2010

' Sep-10 July to September 2010
(Cumulative)		 January to September 2010
(Cumulative)
' Tonnage
(in tonnes)		 Year-on-Year
Growth		 Tonnage
(in tonnes)		 Year-on-Year
Growth		 Tonnage
(in tonnes)
Export 136,723 16.80% 412,580 25.70% 1,165,402
Import 60,432 4.90% 188,947 11.80% 555,108
Transshipment 44,888 19.00% 142,172 15.60% 412,960
Total 242,043 14.00% 743,699 19.90% 2,133,470