• Ten international airlines participated in the fifteenth Hactl International Forklift and Pallet Building Competition at Hong Kong’s SuperTerminal 1, testing forklift manoeuvring skills and pallet building efficiency according to IATA standards
• Japan Airlines dominated the event, winning Overall Champion, the Forklift Competition, Forklift Driving Safety Award, Pallet Building Competition, and Best Cheering Team
• The competition highlighted industry best practices in operational safety, drew around 300 spectators, and was attended by senior officials from Hong Kong’s transport, labour, and aviation authorities

Teams from 10 international airlines have taken part in the fifteenth Hactl International Forklift and Pallet Building Competition, held at Hactl’s SuperTerminal 1 in Hong Kong.

Now a fixture on the calendar, the forklift driving element of the event tested the ability of contestants to manoeuvre forklift trucks precisely and safely along complex courses that are typical of the terminal environment. Meanwhile, the pallet building contest gave contestants one hour to palletise as much cargo as possible, adhering to the pallet’s designated contours, and complying with IATA standards and other aviation industry best practice.

Some 300 spectators watched participants from Air Canada, Cargolux, China Southern Airlines, Emirates SkyCargo, EVA Air, Finnair, IAG Cargo, Japan Airlines, Nippon Cargo Airlines, SF Airlines as well as host Hactl compete for honours.

Japan Airlines swept all the top honours, claiming Overall Champion and winning the Forklift Competition, Forklift Driving Safety Award, Pallet Building Competition and Best Cheering Team.

The event drew the attendance of four guests of honour: Mr. Liu Chun San, Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics; Ms. Cissy Chan, Executive Director, Commercial, Airport Authority Hong Kong; Mr. Wan Chi Ping, Assistant Commissioner for Labour (Occupational Safety), Labour Department; and Ms. Bonnie Yau, Executive Director, Occupational Safety and Health Council.

Says Hactl Acting Chief Executive, Michelle Choi: “As a leader in the cargo handling arena, Hactl constantly strives for the overall betterment of the entire air cargo industry, and operational safety is always one of our top priorities.

“We are delighted to have once again hosted the International Forklift and Pallet Building Competition which enables us to showcase and reward industry best practice while bringing together industry partners from around the world.”