Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) recorded solid growth in air traffic figures in August 2017. During the month, passenger volume and flight movements recorded year-on-year increases of 5.7 percent to 6.51 million and 2.3 percent to 35,595, respectively. Cargo traffic soared 10.1 percent to 412,000 tonnes, compared to the same month last year.

The growth in passenger traffic in August was mainly driven by 7 percent year-on-year growth in transfers / transits, and 6 percent growth in Hong Kong resident travel. Growth in Japan market continued to be the major contributor during the month, while Europe also recorded significant increases.

Exports, which registered a 12 percent robust increase, were the main driver behind the strong growth in cargo throughput. Trans-shipments also rose by 10 percent during the month. Amongst the key trading regions, Europe and Southeast Asia increased the most significantly.

In the first eight months of 2017, passenger throughput and flight movements increased by 2.2 percent to 48.8 million and 1.3 percent to 278,455, respectively. Cargo volume at HKIA registered 11.1 percent year-on-year growth to 3.15 million tonnes.

On a rolling 12-month basis, HKIA handled 72 million passengers, 415,215 flight movements and 4.84 million tonnes of cargo, recording year-on-year increases of 1.6 percent, 0.8 percent and 10.1 percent, respectively.

Meanwhile, HKIA’s official mobile app “HKG MyFlight” won the “Digital Brand Award 2017” in the “Software and Mobile App Category – Outstanding International Airport Mobile App”, presented by the Chamber of Hong Kong Computer Industry and Metro Radio.