Early beginning: 1995–2000 In 1995, Hong Kong Airport Services was founded as a
joint venture between Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon to serve the newly built
Hong Kong International Airport in
Chek Lap Kok and provide ramp and cargo services to airlines operating in Hong Kong. The new company effectively replaced in this role the earlier
Hong Kong Air Terminal Services, a 34-year-old
Jardine Matheson /
Swire Pacific joint venture that had served the same functions at
Kai Tak International Airport since 1961. Hong Kong Airport Services won the franchise rights for aircraft ramp handling services in 1996 and rights for air side crew transportation services followed in 1997. In 1998, it commenced services in the new
Hong Kong International Airport. With no remaining franchise, Hongkong Air Terminal Services ceased business alongside the old airport and was eventually wound up in mid-2009.
Development and overseas expansion On November 1st 2008, the company integrated services with Dragonair's ground handling company Hong Kong International Airport Services, soon after Cathay Pacific fully acquired Dragon Air. On December 1st 2008, Cathay Pacific agreed to take the remaining stake of Hong Kong Airport Services, and it became a wholly owned subsidiary. Since the acquisition, employees of Hong Kong Airport Services represented Cathay Dragon for the ground handling part. In March 2012, Hong Kong Airport Services established a joint venture company, Shanghai International Airport Services Company, with Shanghai International Airport Company Limited,
Air China, and Shanghai Airport Services to provide services in both
Shanghai Pudong International Airport and
Hongqiao Airport. In late 2018, the company integrated its services with Cathay Pacific ground services and is now representing Cathay Pacific in ground services. == See also ==