Nearly eight days after a dramatic runway-overrun sent a Boeing 747-400 freighter into the waters north of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), authorities have completed the complex salvage of the aircraft’s 72-metre fuselage. Airport Authority Hong Kong confirmed late on 27 October that specialised cranes lifted the wreckage onto a barge for transport to a secure facility, allowing investigators unrestricted access to the airframe.
The wide-body jet, operated by Turkish cargo carrier AirACT under wet-lease for Emirates SkyCargo, overshot runway 07L during heavy rain on 20 October. Two ground staff were killed; the flight crew escaped with minor injuries. Both flight recorders were retrieved earlier in the week, and the Air Accident Investigation Authority is now analysing data to reconstruct the final seconds of the landing.
Airport operations remained largely unaffected thanks to HKIA’s dual-runway system, but insurers estimate preliminary losses at US$120 million including cargo, hull and environmental clean-up. Logistics providers reliant on Emirates’ trans-shipment feed through Hong Kong are monitoring possible slot adjustments as Emirates redeploys spare capacity from Dubai.
For supply-chain managers the incident is a reminder of the contingency value offered by multi-hub routing strategies in Asia. Shippers of temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals and high-value electronics – key commodities on the Hong Kong–Middle East lane – are being advised to confirm alternative lift options via Singapore, Bangkok or Doha until Emirates finalises its winter schedule.
Investigators will look at weather decision-making, autobrake performance and runway surface conditions. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days; full findings will influence HKIA’s forthcoming third-runway safety case as the airport ramps up cargo capacity to 10 million tonnes annually.
The wide-body jet, operated by Turkish cargo carrier AirACT under wet-lease for Emirates SkyCargo, overshot runway 07L during heavy rain on 20 October. Two ground staff were killed; the flight crew escaped with minor injuries. Both flight recorders were retrieved earlier in the week, and the Air Accident Investigation Authority is now analysing data to reconstruct the final seconds of the landing.
Airport operations remained largely unaffected thanks to HKIA’s dual-runway system, but insurers estimate preliminary losses at US$120 million including cargo, hull and environmental clean-up. Logistics providers reliant on Emirates’ trans-shipment feed through Hong Kong are monitoring possible slot adjustments as Emirates redeploys spare capacity from Dubai.
For supply-chain managers the incident is a reminder of the contingency value offered by multi-hub routing strategies in Asia. Shippers of temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals and high-value electronics – key commodities on the Hong Kong–Middle East lane – are being advised to confirm alternative lift options via Singapore, Bangkok or Doha until Emirates finalises its winter schedule.
Investigators will look at weather decision-making, autobrake performance and runway surface conditions. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days; full findings will influence HKIA’s forthcoming third-runway safety case as the airport ramps up cargo capacity to 10 million tonnes annually.
