Cathay Cargo launches intermodal cold-chain network across Greater Bay Area
Cathay Cargo has launched a fully integrated intermodal perishables network spanning air, land and sea, strengthening Hong Kong’s position as the international cargo gateway for the Greater Bay Area (GBA).
The new network combines a refrigerated barge service linking Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) with Cathay Cargo Terminal Dongguan, an expanded Air-Land Fresh Lane extending across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) to Macao, and the airline’s existing air-to-air service to Guangzhou.
The additions provide shippers with more routing options, improved cold-chain assurance and greater access to the growing GBA perishables market.
The refrigerated barge service marks the first commercial air-sea transport solution for refrigerated perishables into the wider GBA from Hong Kong. Shipments remain pallet-intact throughout the journey to minimise handling, while flexible departure times offer a lower-cost alternative for cargo that is less time sensitive.
Meanwhile, the Air-Land Fresh Lane now reaches Macao, allowing perishables to arrive within as few as four hours from HKIA, including customs and quarantine processing. Pre-cleared shipments, 24/7 transfer operations and refrigerated trucking help maintain uninterrupted cold-chain integrity.
All three services operate under a single air waybill within the Cathay Cargo ecosystem and are supported by the airline’s IATA CEIV Fresh-certified handling expertise.
James Evans, general manager cargo commercial at Cathay, said: “The GBA is a key growth market for premium perishables, and we have listened closely to our customers by enhancing connectivity and strengthening service assurance across every touchpoint. With three intermodal routes now fully operational – each offering distinct advantages in speed, cost and flexibility – we remain committed to further expanding our network as demand continues to grow, while reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a world-leading air cargo hub.”
The three services are tailored to different customer requirements, with air-to-air transport providing up to three daily passenger flight connections to Guangzhou for time-critical shipments, air-land offering cross-border refrigerated trucking to Zhuhai and Macao, and the new air-sea service delivering a more cost-effective option for less urgent consignments.
Cathay Cargo added that eligible Air-Land Fresh Lane shipments into the GBA may also qualify for promotional trucking rates under the Airport Authority Hong Kong’s Cross-boundary Trucking Subsidy Scheme until December 31, 2026.