Hai Phong to launch Vietnam’s first air cargo route

Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong city will launch Vietnam’s first air cargo route later this year, the municipal Party Committee said without further details.

On May 26, the Cat Bi airport inaugurated its cargo terminal. The 64,150-square-meter terminal had an investment of VND390 billion ($16.16 million), and an annual handling capacity of 100,000 tons, which can be expanded to 250,000 tons.

Cat Bi has been listed among Vietnam’s airports with the fastest growth in passenger and cargo volume in recent years.

Air cargo transfer in Vietnam is underdeveloped, said Johnathan Hanh Nguyen, chairman of IPP Air Cargo, set to be Vietnam’s first all-cargo airline. The Ministry of Transport in late September asked for prime ministerial permission to grant a license for such an airline.

Nguyen clarified that sea transfer is suitable for vehicles, steel and iron, and other commodities, but high-value products like eletronic chips, mobile phones and parts should be transported by air.

Hai Phong is a manufacturing hub in the northern region. Cat Bi's air cargo transfer terminal will help boost manufacturing in the region, especially electronics, that previously had to be delivered to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi.

Cargo transported by air currently accounts for only 2% of the volume of import-export goods in Vietnam, but makes for 25% of the value because the cargo is mostly of high-value, including fashion products, mobile phones, fresh food, and others, according to Vietnam Logistics Business Association.

Vietnam currently has six airlines carrying both passengers and cargo.