Giant pandas’ arrival underscores HK’s ‘unparalleled’ logistics, says Lam

The transport of An An and Ke Ke involved extensive planning and collaboration amongst multiple agencies.

The recent arrival of two giant pandas, An An and Ke Ke, in Hong Kong highlights the city’s exceptional capabilities in temperature-controlled logistics, said Transport and Logistics Secretary Lam Sai-hung.

“HKIA is unparalleled globally in its capability to handle special air cargo, achieving multiple firsts,” he said in a blog post.

Lam noted that, since 2017, HKIA has been recognised as a Partner Airport by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for its Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV). It has obtained certifications in Pharmaceutical Cold Chain Transportation, Fresh Cargo Transportation, Live Animals Transportation, and Lithium Batteries—making it the first airport globally to hold the complete suite of CEIV certifications for special air cargo.

The certification for Live Animals Transportation enables the safe transport of various animals, including pandas, pets, and even exotic species like horses and leopards.

In March 2020, two air cargo terminals at HKIA became the first in the world to receive this certification, further cementing the airport's position in the sector.

The transport of An An and Ke Ke involved extensive planning and collaboration amongst multiple agencies. A support team of 90 professionals worked alongside Cathay Cargo to ensure the pandas' well-being during their journey.

Two experts from Sichuan and two caregivers from Ocean Park accompanied the pandas on the flight. The specially designed crates maintained a constant temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius and were equipped with Bluetooth devices for real-time monitoring of temperature and humidity levels.

Additionally, the pandas' bamboo leaves, sourced from Conghua in Guangzhou, are now delivered to Ocean Park through an improved direct transportation route, thanks to collaboration between customs officials and advancements in the Greater Bay Area's transport network.

The pandas are expected to meet the public by the end of this year.

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