CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ illustrates a different job and segment of the air cargo industry each week to demonstrate just how varied our industry is. While freight forwarders and airlines source and fly the cargo and are perhaps the more visible face of air cargo, many of the necessary cogs in the machinery are put into operation by air cargo terminal operators such as HACTL, based at Hong Kong International Airport. Its services range from ground handling processes including cargo handling, ramp handling and documentation, through to crew transportation, and value-added logistics services to more than 100 airlines and 1,000 freight forwarders worldwide. This week, Vivian Tang (VT), Management Trainee at HACTL, takes us through her role and shares her views.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
VT: I’m on the Elite Management Trainee Program at Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (HACTL), one of the leading air cargo handlers in Hong Kong. As part of the trainee program, I’ve rotated through key departments, including Operations, HACIS—HACTL’s wholly-owned subsidiary specializing in logistics solutions, and now the Safety, Sustainability, and Quality Assurance (SSQ) team. My responsibilities vary by rotation but generally involve project coordination, process optimization, cross-departmental communications to ensure seamless operations.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?
VT: Every day is dynamic, but it usually starts with coffee [laughs] and prioritizing tasks – checking emails, reviewing project updates, and preparing for meetings. Since my current rotation in SSQ involves cross-functional projects, I often collaborate with external partners. Between meetings, I focus on consolidating key insights and preparing reports. What makes it enjoyable is the team culture here: my colleagues are not just my supportive teammates but also very kind and fun people who’ve become friends!
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
VT: I’ve been in the industry for nearly two years. My journey began during a university visit to HACTL, where I was captivated by the scale and precision of HACTL’s Container Storage System (CSS). Two tour leaders – now the head of Operations Terminal Services and the manager of Operations Ground Services – left a big impression on me with their professionalism and passion. When I learned about HACTL’s Elite Management Trainee Programme, I applied immediately. Looking back, it felt like destiny: what started as curiosity has turned into a career that I’m proud to pursue.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
VT: The Operations at SuperTerminal 1 are what make me feel most energized. Seeing cargo move from the warehouse to aircraft – knowing our work connects businesses and communities globally – is incredibly rewarding. Every day, I learn how even small optimizations can have a huge effect on efficiency, customer satisfaction, and even sustainability. That tangible impact is what drives me.
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
VT: Talents, in terms of the number of people entering, is the hot topic in our industry. At HACTL, we’ve tackled this through initiatives like different trainee programmes, hiring manpower from the Greater Bay Area, and investing in automation. Progress has been made, and we will continue to attract, retain and upskill talents in our industry.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry?
VT: First of all, cultivate genuine curiosity and passion about supply chains and global trade because this industry thrives on problem-solvers who see the bigger picture. Technical skills are valuable, but adaptability and collaboration matter just as much.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
VT: 24/7: Race Against the Clock
The air cargo industry highlights the relentless pace and precision required to deliver everything from vaccines to e-commerce goods on time!
Thank you very much, Vivian.
If you would like to share your personal air cargo story with our CargoForwarder Global readers, feel free to send your answers to the above questions to cargoforwarderglobal@kopfpilot.at We look forward to shining a spotlight on your job area, views, and experiences.
