13th Hactl International Forklift and Pallet Building Competition

January 25, 2024

Teams from nine international airlines took part in the latest Hactl International Forklift and Pallet Building Competition, held at Hactl’s SuperTerminal 1 facility in Hong Kong.

The forklift driving element of the event tested the ability of contestants to manoeuvre forklift trucks accurately and safely over complex courses. In the Pallet Building contest, teams had a maximum of one hour in which to build up as much cargo as possible onto pallets, to their designated contours, and in full compliance with IATA standards and other recognised best practice in the aviation industry.

The event returned this year for the thirteenth time, after a break of four years due to COVID travel restrictions. An audience of around 300 watched participants from Air Canada, Cargolux Airlines International S.A., Emirates, Finnair, IAG Cargo, Japan Airlines, MASkargo, Nippon Cargo Airlines and Qatar Airways compete for honours.

Japan Airlines was dubbed Overall Champion and won the Forklift Competition in this year’s event. The Pallet Building Competition was meanwhile won by Qatar Airways. Finally, the Forklift Driving Safety Award was picked up by Japan Airlines as well.

The event was attended by four guests of honour: Mr. Lam Sai-hung, Secretary for Transport and Logistics; Mr. Fred Lam Tin-fuk, Chief Executive Officer, Airport Authority Hong Kong; Mr. Chan Ka-lai, Assistant Commissioner (Occupational Safety), Labour Department; and Dr. Johnnie Casire Chan Chi-kau, Chairman of Publicity Committee, Occupational Safety and Health Council.

Says Hactl Chief Executive Wilson Kwong: “We were delighted to welcome friends from around the world to take part in the competition once again, after its enforced suspension.

“Everyone seemed to enjoy the event, but behind the friendly rivalry and opportunity to meet and make friends, we believe it also has an important message to convey about safety at work and professional standards.

“We are proud to be the ones to continue this campaign for our industry, and hope to welcome many more teams in future years.”

James Graham

James Graham is an award-winning transport media journalist with a long background in the commercial freight sector, including commercial aviation and the aviation supply chain. He was the initial Air Cargo Week journalist and retuned later for a stint as editor. He continues his association as editor of the monthly supplements. He has reported for the newspaper from global locations as well as the UK.