SATS Newest Subsidiary AAT Unveils Hong Kong's First On-Airport Cold Chain Facility

Singapore, July 28, 2022 – SATS Ltd. (SATS) today announced that its latest subsidiary Asia Airfreight Terminal Co. Ltd. (AAT) has unveiled its new AAT COOLPORT, which is Hong Kong’s first on-airport temperature-controlled facility built to ensure cold chain integrity for perishable and pharmaceutical airfreight. Growing its cargo business, SATS increased its shareholding in AAT to a controlling stake of 65.4% in the previous financial year.

Situated strategically within the world’s busiest air cargo hub, AAT COOLPORT is the second such purpose-built facility in the SATS ecosystem. It replicates the features of Asia’s first cold chain facility SATS COOLPORT at Singapore Changi Airport. Customers will be able to enjoy swift and seamless transportation of temperature-sensitive shipments and gain assurance that their cargo is handled and stored under strict temperature monitoring.

AAT COOLPORT is expected to increase AAT’s handling capacity for such cargo by 50%, which will further uphold the status of Hong Kong International Airport as a global hub for perishables and pharmaceuticals.

Kerry Mok, President and chief executive officer, SATS, shared, “AAT COOLPORT is a prime showcase of our twin growth engine strategy in action. While driving operational excellence, we are replicating our capabilities overseas to harness the power of network effects and deliver innovative value-added services to customers. The pandemic as well as growth in demand for fresh and frozen food have placed immense importance on the need for robust cold chain handling. Together with our subsidiaries and ecosystem partners, we will continue to advance our network connectivity strategy in cargo by expanding our presence in leading hubs.”

The inaugural ceremony for AAT COOLPORT was attended by senior representatives from Airport Authority Hong Kong, Hong Kong Customs & Excise Department, International Air Transport Association (IATA), Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics Ltd (HAFFA), and Hong Kong Association of Aircargo Truckers (HAAT). They toured the facility and were introduced to the features that are a first for Hong Kong International Airport.

AAT COOLPORT will offer customers a dedicated temperature-controlled zone, covering the entire cargo handling process including acceptance and delivery, build-up and breakdown, security screening and storage. New features include temperature-controlled truck docks with dock shelters that prevent potential disruptions to the cold chain during acceptance or delivery. X-ray screening is conducted inside AAT COOLPORT with CCTV surveillance so that cargo can be screened at the correct ambient temperature.

In addition, multi-tiered temperature zones down to -28°C are supported by real-time temperature and humidity monitoring systems, and cargo storage is facilitated by an innovative palletized Unit Load Device (ULD) system, which ensures speedy and easy movement of cargo. AAT COOLPORT is strategically designed to interface directly with the airside to facilitate seamless cargo flow. There is a dedicated handling area for pharmaceuticals to ensure the integrity of the cold chain when handling pharmaceutical products as they usually require more stringent temperature controls. The facility has been designed to meet international safety standards. It is fully certified with IATA CEIV Pharma, IATA CEIV Fresh, and WHO GDP Pharma accreditations. AAT COOLPORT’s staff are well-trained and experienced in handling cold chain cargo in accordance with the highest global standards.

AAT COOLPORT is a green airfreight terminal. It uses environmentally sustainable, nonozone depleting refrigerant, offering a low global warming potential (GWP) and high performance. Moreover, AAT COOLPORT features double doors, air curtains, speed doors, and thermal insulation panels. All are purpose-built to minimize heat loss and achieve energy savings.