Cathay Cargo Terminal Launches First Fully Autonomous Tractor Operations at Hong Kong International Airport
(IN SHORT) Cathay Cargo Terminal has conducted the first complete trial of Autonomous Electric Tractor (AET) operations at Hong Kong International Airport, successfully transporting cargo from within the terminal to the remote West Cargo Apron. The trial showcased seamless end-to-end automation, including precision docking and secure digital check-ins. Developed in partnership with Airport Authority Hong Kong and UISEE, the initiative enhances efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Cathay is also piloting the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) for its non-electric tractors, reducing emissions by up to 90%. These advancements reflect Cathay’s broader goal of digital leadership and low-carbon logistics at the world’s busiest cargo airport.
(PRESS RELEASE) HONG KONG, 2025-Apr-14 — /Travel PR News/ — Cathay Cargo Terminal has successfully completed the first end-to-end trial of Autonomous Electric Tractor (AET) operations at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), marking a major milestone in automated logistics and sustainable aviation ground operations.
The landmark trial involved an AET autonomously towing four cargo dollies from within the Cathay Cargo Terminal, navigating to the correct cargo transfer gate for loading, and continuing its journey across the airfield to the West Cargo Apron (WCA)—the airport’s most distant cargo ramp—where the cargo was prepared for direct loading onto a Cathay Cargo flight.
What sets this trial apart is the precise docking capability developed for the AET, which enables seamless alignment of the dolly chains with the transfer deck for efficient Unit Load Device (ULD) loading. The AET also integrates advanced security protocols, allowing for digital check-in and check-out without compromising terminal access controls.
This pioneering initiative is a result of close collaboration between Cathay Cargo Terminal, the Airport Authority Hong Kong, and UISEE, a leading autonomous driving technology provider in China. The project demonstrates significant progress toward smarter, more efficient, and lower-emission cargo operations.
“This proof-of-concept shows that AETs can support more complex workflows beyond simple towing tasks,” said Mark Watts, Chief Operating Officer at Cathay Cargo Terminal. “It represents a leap forward in improving operational efficiency, reducing manual handling, and enhancing the flow of cargo through the world’s busiest cargo airport. It also cuts down emissions from conventional ground equipment.”
Alongside AET deployment, Cathay Cargo Terminal is also piloting the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO)—a renewable diesel alternative—for its non-electric cargo tractors. Industry data suggests that HVO can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by 80–90%, offering a near-term solution while the company pushes toward full electrification.
“HVO is an essential step in the right direction, but electrification remains our ultimate goal in achieving carbon reduction and reinforcing Cathay’s leadership in digital and sustainable innovation,” Watts added.
Wing Yeung, Acting Deputy Director of Airport Operations at Airport Authority Hong Kong, emphasized the broader implications: “This milestone underscores HKIA’s commitment to smart logistics and sustainable aviation. It sets the stage for more expansive adoption of autonomous vehicle technologies in cargo operations and enhances HKIA’s global standing as a smart aviation hub.”
For more information about Cathay Cargo Terminal, please visit: www.cathaycargoterminal.com.
Media contact:
press@cathaypacific.com
SOURCE: Cathay Pacific Airways
