Cathay Cargo Terminal Pioneers Autonomous Electric Tractor Operations

Cathay Cargo Terminal has conducted the first end-to-end trial of Autonomous Electric Tractors across the cargo terminal and ramp operations at Hong Kong International Airport.

Cathay Cargo Terminal has conducted the first end-to-end trial of Autonomous Electric Tractors (AET) across the cargo terminal and ramp operations at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) – Courtesy Cathay Pacific

On Monday (April 14, 2025), Cathay Pacific announced tat the Cathay Cargo Terminal has conducted the first end-to-end trial of Autonomous Electric Tractors (AET) across the cargo terminal and ramp operations at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).  The fully-autonomous electric tractor towed four cargo dollies from the Cathay Cargo Terminal to the correct cargo gate for loading.  After loading, the AET drove itself out of the terminal and successfully completed its journey across HKG to the furthest cargo apron, the West Cargo Apron (WCA), delivering the cargo to be loaded directly onto a Cathay Cargo flight. 

In Monday’s announcement, Cathay Cargo Terminal’s Chief Operating Officer, Mark Watts, said,

“This has been an important proof-of-concept to show that AETs are capable of more advanced workflows than we have seen so far for cargo, reducing manual processes and significantly enhancing operational efficiency.  This also improves overall cargo flow at the world’s busiest cargo hub and significantly reduces carbon emissions associated with traditional ground service equipment.”

Also commenting on the pioneering AET trial, Airport Hong Kong’s Acting Deputy Director – Airport Operations, Wing Yeung, added,

“This new milestone reinforces HKIA’s leadership in smart logistics and sustainable aviation development, paving the way for further advancements in autonomous vehicle solutions in cargo-handling.  The successful deployment of AETs in end-to-end cargo operations reflects the HKIA community’s continuous efforts in the adoption of smart airport initiatives and to reinforce the airport’s position as a global aviation hub.”

Cathay Cargo Terminal is also piloting the use of Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) for their non-electric cargo tractors.  HVO is a renewable alternative to traditional fossil-based diesel, and can reduce lifecycle GHG emissions by 80-90 percent. 

Further speaking on the HVO pilot project, Cathay’s Mark Watts, added,

“HVO is a very important step, but continued electrification is the ultimate vision to help us reduce carbon emissions and pursue Cathay’s digital and sustainability leadership.”

Cathay Cargo Terminal's AET project is project is a collaboration between Cathay Cargo Terminal, the Airport Authority Hong Kong, and UISEE, one of China’s leading autonomous driving companies - Courtesy Cathay Pacific     

A unique feature of Cathay’s Automated Electric Tractor initiative is the precise docking solution, enabling the AET’s towing dolly chains to automatically align with the transfer deck for seamless Unit Load Device (ULD) loading.  Additionally, enhanced security features allow the AET to be digitally checked into and out of the terminal without compromising security.  This project is a collaboration between Cathay Cargo Terminal, the Airport Authority Hong Kong, and UISEE, one of China’s leading autonomous driving companies.     

Source: Cathay Pacific