Shanghai Pudong International Airport Cargo Terminal Co., Ltd. (PACTL) marked its 25th anniversary by unveiling a forward-looking five-year strategy, aimed at strengthening its global competitiveness in the air cargo sector and advancing Shanghai’s development as an international shipping hub.
Journey of Growth and Innovation
Founded in 1999, PACTL quickly became a key player in air cargo industry, achieving milestones such as the opening of PACTL WEST in 2008, the largest terminal in Asia at the time, and the launch of specialized facilities like the Cool Center and the Cross-border E-Commerce Cargo Handling Center. Over the 25 years, the company expanded from Pudong to Hongqiao and further extended its services across the Yangtze River Delta. Today, PACTL serves over 70 airlines and more than 300 forwarders, with an annual cargo throughput exceeding 2 million tons.
Three Pillars for Future Success: Service, Safety, and Innovation
PACTL’s newly announced strategy focuses on three core areas: enhancing customer service capabilities, strengthening safety management, and upgrading operational quality. The strategy aims to further improve PACTL’s responsiveness to market demands, optimize safety controls through technology-driven solutions, and elevate the overall efficiency of its operations.
To enhance its market responsiveness, PACTL will expand ramp supervision and coordination, integrate intelligent tools via its Easy Cargo platform, and expand its network of remote terminals to better serve the Yangtze River Delta region.
In terms of safety, PACTL tends to leverage technology-driven solutions, including unmanned storage operations which are being piloted at PACTL WEST’s dangerous goods warehouse and AI-driven applications.
For operational quality, PACTL is accelerating upgrades at PACTL WEST and participating in the development of new facilities at Shanghai airports, while also working closely with industry associations to strengthen its international certifications.
Strengthening Global Partnerships
As a joint venture between Shanghai Airport Group Logistics Development Co., Ltd, Lufthansa Cargo AG and the Shanghai-based JHJ Logistics Management Co., Ltd, PACTL has combined the strengths of its shareholders to create a neutral, internationally recognized air cargo terminal.
“As we look to the next phase of our journey, we remain committed to strengthening our partnerships with customers and suppliers across the globe. Together, we aim to lead the air cargo industry with innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and safety. This 25th anniversary is not just a celebration of our past but a commitment to the shared future ahead,” said Carsten Hernig, Deputy General Manager VP Sales & Marketing and Production at PACTL.
“The successful cooperation between PACTL and Lufthansa Cargo over the past 25 years has contributed significantly to the success of both companies. The Air Cargo Terminal is an important hub in the international airfreight business and plays a crucial role in the global supply chain. It also underlines the Lufthansa Cargo purpose of enabling global business. We look forward to further joint successes and a continued strong partnership”, says Ashwin Bhat, CEO Lufthansa Cargo.
Looking ahead, PACTL remains committed to its core values of “Customer First, Safety Always, Quality Guaranteed.” By innovating and collaborating with global partners, PACTL aims to drive the air cargo industry towards smarter, more efficient, and sustainable solutions, further contributing to the development of Shanghai as an international air cargo hub, facilitating global trade and connectivity.