Cathay Cargo First to Launch Air-Land Fresh Lane for Perishable Goods

Post by : Meena Rani

Cathay Cargo has become the first airline to implement the Air-Land Fresh Lane, a new initiative that helps transport perishable goods like seafood and fresh fruits efficiently from Hong Kong into mainland China’s Greater Bay Area (GBA). This step marks a major advancement in air cargo logistics, ensuring fresh products reach markets faster, safer, and in excellent condition.

The Air-Land Fresh Lane is a joint initiative by the Hong Kong and Guangdong governments, designed to simplify cross-border transport of temperature-sensitive products. The goal is to provide faster clearance at customs and reduce handling delays while keeping goods at the right temperature during the journey.

How the Fresh Lane Works

The Air-Land Fresh Lane allows perishable goods to be transported from international airports to Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and then moved via temperature-controlled trucks across the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge (HZMB) into mainland China.

Each truck is specially equipped with electronic locks and GPS monitoring, ensuring the cargo remains secure and the temperature is maintained. The entire journey, from the plane at HKIA to the final destination in the Greater Bay Area, is tracked and documented under a single air waybill, simplifying procedures for businesses and reducing paperwork.

Streamlined Customs and Certification

To further speed up the process, shipments such as live seafood and fresh fruits are issued a "Certificate for Transshipment Confirmation" by Hong Kong customs authorities. This certificate allows customs in mainland China to clear goods more quickly, eliminating the need for additional paperwork or complicated registrations.

The simplified customs clearance not only saves time but also lowers operational costs for suppliers and importers. Businesses exporting perishable goods can now plan shipments more efficiently, ensuring products arrive fresher and with reduced spoilage risk.

Improved Inspection Facilities

At the Zhuhai port of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge, a new temperature-controlled inspection facility has been set up. This allows authorities to conduct random checks or sampling of perishable goods without affecting product quality. The facility ensures that even during inspections, the goods remain at the required temperature and in perfect condition for the market.

This advanced inspection capability builds confidence among exporters, importers, and retailers, knowing that the integrity of their products will be maintained throughout the cross-border journey.

Successful Pilot Shipments

Cathay Cargo has already tested the new Air-Land Fresh Lane with pilot shipments. In August, a shipment of live lobsters from Melbourne arrived in Hong Kong and was transferred to Zhuhai via the new lane. Soon after, live geoducks were shipped from Los Angeles using the same process.

Both shipments reached their destinations in excellent condition, demonstrating that the new lane is capable of maintaining the highest standards for perishable goods. These successful trials prove the effectiveness of the system and highlight its potential to support large-scale perishable goods trade in the region.

Importance of the Greater Bay Area

The Greater Bay Area is one of China’s most significant economic regions, including Hong Kong, Macau, and nine cities in Guangdong Province. With a combined population of over 86 million people, it presents a huge market for fresh, high-quality products.

By using the Air-Land Fresh Lane, Cathay Cargo enables global producers to reach this market quickly and efficiently. Fresh fruits, seafood, and other perishable goods can now arrive in peak condition, meeting growing consumer demand and helping businesses expand in the region.

Cathay Cargo’s Expertise in Perishable Logistics

Cathay Cargo has extensive experience in transporting perishable goods. The company has received the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Fresh certification, demonstrating its expertise in managing cool-chain logistics.

The Cathay Fresh solution provides customizable temperature-controlled services, ensuring that goods are maintained at the required temperature from origin to destination. This commitment to quality has made Cathay Cargo a trusted partner for exporters of perishable items worldwide.

Integration with Existing Services

The Air-Land Fresh Lane complements Cathay Cargo’s existing network of intermodal links across the Greater Bay Area. This includes scheduled and chartered trucking services to six cities and bonded sea lanes to Dongguan for direct imports and exports.

Additionally, daily freighter flights to Guangzhou enhance the seamless flow of perishables from international origins to the GBA market. Together, these services allow perishable goods from around the world to arrive quickly, safely, and in excellent condition.

Benefits for Businesses and Consumers

This initiative benefits both businesses and consumers. For exporters and importers, the lane reduces transit time, lowers costs, and simplifies customs procedures. Retailers benefit from the consistent delivery of high-quality products. Consumers in the Greater Bay Area gain access to fresher fruits, seafood, and other perishables, contributing to better food quality and safety.

By reducing delays, maintaining proper temperatures, and ensuring smooth customs clearance, the Air-Land Fresh Lane is transforming the way perishable goods are transported in the region.

Cathay Cargo’s launch of the Air-Land Fresh Lane is a significant milestone in the logistics industry. By combining innovative solutions, advanced inspection facilities, and expertise in perishable goods transport, the airline is setting a new standard for cross-border supply chains.

This initiative strengthens Hong Kong’s position as a leading logistics hub and provides global producers with a reliable pathway to one of China’s largest consumer markets. The Air-Land Fresh Lane is not only a breakthrough for businesses but also ensures that consumers in the Greater Bay Area have access to the freshest products available.

Cathay Cargo, Air-Land Fresh Lane, Greater Bay Area, perishable goods