HONG KONG's Asia Airfreight Terminal (AAT), the airport's second ground handler, posted a drop of one per cent in cargo volume in July year on year to 59,476 tonnes.

July exports decreased 0.28 per cent to 40,483 tonnes year on year while imports were up 4 per cent to 18,488 tonnes with transshipments falling 72 per cent to 505 tonnes.

From January to July, the total export volume was 273,677 tonnes, up 0.04 per cent against same period last year. The total import volume for the first seven months was 123,832 tonnes, up three per cent year on year, while the transshipment volume was 3,525 tonnes in the first seven months, declining 35 per cent year on year.

"Aviation is always a volatile and challenging industry. The world economy and trade market are still fragile. Cargo business has been affected by continuing weak demand in major markets. Despite this, we will remain committed to our long-term strategy and continue to invest in the future with our core strengths, a superb team, a highly efficient terminal, outstanding customer service, and innovative products, to support our customers' growth," said AAT general manager for corporate development Kenneth Yeung.