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

As in previous years, 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 pallets’ designated contours, and complying with IATA standards and other aviation industry best practice.

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

China Southern Airlines was crowned Overall Champion, while Japan Airlines won the Forklift Competition and Forklift Driving Safety Award, and China Southern Airlines took first place in the Pallet Building Competition.

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 Chief Executive Wilson Kwong: “Hactl constantly strives for the overall betterment of the air cargo industry, and operational safety remains one of our top priorities.

“We are delighted to have hosted the International Forklift and Pallet Building Competition once again, showcasing and rewarding industry best practice and bringing together industry partners from around the world.”