The main body of the international cargo terminal project of Hangzhou International Airport. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]

To improve cargo infrastructure and fortify its role as an aviation hub, Hangzhou International Airport unveiled its state-of-the-art international cargo terminal on July 31.

The terminal was built in preparation for the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Games.

Located in the Hangzhou International Airport's expansive cargo precinct, the terminal is a sprawling 156,600 square meters. It encompasses a tri-level international cargo station, a customs inspection center, and meticulously designed customs checkpoints.

It is China's first three-story, intelligent, and automated international airport cargo terminal.

The terminal has taken inspiration from world-class cargo hubs. It aims to be efficienct, adaptable, and forward-looking.

The terminal also boasts innovative circular ramps and intelligent 3D facilities and a vertical transportation system equipped with pallet elevators, container elevators, elevated transfer vehicles, and freight elevators, enabling the seamless movement of vehicles and cargo across multiple stories.

Furthermore, the terminal employs cutting-edge automation and data-driven container cargo handling systems alongside bulk cargo management infrastructure. The introduction of these intelligent cargo transport systems is projected to reduce labor requirements by 70 percent.

By 2035, an annual cargo and mail throughput exceeding 600,000 tons is anticipated. This surge will not only consolidate the airport's cargo capabilities but also enhance its status as a regional aviation epicenter.

Multi-layer 3D intelligent container racks at the international cargo terminal of Hangzhou International Airport. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]