Delivery of First Batch of COVID-19 Vaccines to Hong Kong and Vaccines Transshipment Handled at HKIA

(HONG KONG, 19 February 2021, 2130hrs)  –  Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) today facilitated the delivery of the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines to Hong Kong from Beijing and transshipment of another batch of vaccines from Beijing to Mexico via Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

Among a series of tailored arrangements put in place by the AA, the concerned airline, relevant government departments and other business partners, the passenger aircraft carrying the vaccines from Beijing was allocated upon arrival a parking stand close to the cargo terminal for priority unloading and towing to facilitate the quickest delivery across the apron. Expedited customs clearance and priority truck loading at cargo terminal were also arranged for the vaccines shipment in order to enable a quick release.

Jack So, Chairman of the AA and Fred Lam, Chief Executive Officer of the AA accompanied Qiu Hong, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in HKSAR; Zhu Wen, Director-General of the Coordination Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in HKSAR; Patrick Nip, Secretary for Civil Service, and Professor Sophia Chan, Secretary for Food and Health in witnessing the delivery.

In addition to the delivery to Hong Kong the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines produced by Sinovac Biotech (Hong Kong) Limited, another batch of the same vaccines on transshipment by the same flight from Beijing to Mexico was also handled at HKIA today. As a major international aviation hub with extensive flight network, HKIA is a preferred hub for vaccine transportation to worldwide destinations. Its state-of the-art cold-chain facilities such as cool dollies and pioneer apron shelters, together with the recognition as CEIV Pharma Partner Airport by International Air Transport Association ensure safe, efficient, and reliable end-to-end transportation for temperature-controlled goods.