Cathay Cargo has launched the Air-Land Fresh Lane, a pioneering initiative that facilitates the seamless import of perishable goods into the Greater Bay Area (GBA) via the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge. This new service, developed in collaboration with the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong SAR, allows shipments of fruit, live, and chilled seafood to travel from overseas through Hong Kong International Airport to Zhuhai by temperature-controlled lorries under a single air waybill.
The initiative is supported by the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, which issues a “Certificate for Transshipment Confirmation” for live seafood and fruit shipments. This certificate streamlines the customs process, allowing goods to enter the Chinese Mainland via Hong Kong without the need for food importer registration, thus reducing costs and expediting the process.
A newly opened temperature-controlled inspection facility at the Zhuhai Port ensures that any necessary checks on fresh goods are conducted efficiently. The Air-Land Fresh Lane simplifies booking and offers cost savings compared to other lorry arrangements from Hong Kong into the GBA.
James Evans, General Manager Cargo Commercial at Cathay Cargo, stated, “The new Air-Land Fresh Lane is great news for shippers looking to send premium perishable products into the heart of the GBA.” He highlighted the consumer power of the GBA’s 86 million inhabitants and the potential for high-quality perishables to find a new market.
The first successful shipment under this initiative took place in mid-August, with live lobsters transported from Melbourne. This was followed by a shipment of live geoducks from Los Angeles, both transitioning smoothly to temperature-controlled lorries and crossing the border without delay.
Cathay Cargo’s Air-Land Fresh Lane complements its existing intermodal links across the GBA, including scheduled and chartered lorry services to six cities and a sea lane for bonded cargo. This development further strengthens Cathay Cargo’s position in the region, ensuring perishables arrive in peak condition for the GBA market.
