Shenyang Taoxian International Airport in north-east China is set to be turned into a regional cargo hub.

The owner Liaoning Airport Management Group Co has entered into a strategic cooperation framework agreement with HACTL Development Holdings Ltd (HDHL – the business development arm of Hactl Group) as a first step in developing the gateway as a major regional cargo hub.

Shenyang Airport currently has one runway and one cargo terminal (a joint venture between the airport, China Southern Airlines and Sinotrans). It is served by China Southern Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Beijing Capital Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and Spring Airlines, which have established their hubs at Shenyang.

In addition, China Postal Airlines and SF Airlines operates scheduled freighter services. 2015 cargo throughput was 142,000 tonnes – up 2.7 per cent on 2014.

The agreement was signed by Liaoning Airport Management Group Co chairman, Wang De Jia and HDHL managing director Tony Cho, following a visit to Hactl’s showcase SuperTerminal 1 facility in Hong Kong.

Although specific plans are yet to be agreed between the parties, Shenyang is known to be targeting the development of cool chain and pharma traffic – a sector with which Hactl has considerable experience, as Hong Kong’s first accredited GDP handler.

Shenyang Airport will devote its initial attention to market analysis, with any facility development targeted within next few years. HDHL is expected to fulfil a consultancy role, providing guidance on design, construction and operation of new facilities.

HDHL chairman, Mark Whitehead: “We are delighted to be working with our friends at Shenyang on their exciting plans, and supporting their ambitious growth strategy. Cool chain logistics is an area of particular expertise at Hactl, and we have much experience and knowledge to share with our new partners.”