Cathay Cargo Flies 30 Tonnes of Ancient Egyptian Treasures from Shanghai to Hong Kong for Major Palace Museum Exhibition
Cathay Cargo has successfully transported 250 ancient Egyptian artefacts, weighing over 30 tonnes, from Shanghai to Hong Kong ahead of the “Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums” exhibition at the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM).
The nine-month exhibition, opening on 20 November 2025, is jointly organized by the Hong Kong Palace Museum and Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA).
It represents a major cultural exchange between Egypt, the Chinese Mainland, and Hong Kong, and will be the largest and most comprehensive showcase of ancient Egyptian treasures ever presented in Hong Kong.
For the first time, museum artefacts and newly discovered archaeological findings directly loaned from Egypt will be displayed.
The SCA, the sole owner and lender of all artefacts, said the collaboration reflects its ongoing mission to preserve and promote Egypt’s cultural heritage through international partnerships.
Connecting Cultures Through Cargo Excellence
Dominic Perret, Director of Cathay Cargo, said the operation underscores the airline’s dual role in connecting both commerce and culture.
“We are honoured to support the transport of these remarkable treasures to Hong Kong. It highlights our expertise in handling sensitive shipments through our Cathay Secure solution and reaffirms our commitment to strengthening Hong Kong’s role as a global centre for cultural exchange,” he said.
The shipment was carried on a Cathay Cargo service from Shanghai to Hong Kong, using specialized equipment such as 20-foot pallets, an oversized pallet, 12 lower-deck pallets, and shock-absorbing dollies.
Each artefact was handled under strict safety and security protocols, with an Egyptian courier accompanying the cargo and expert supervision in Shanghai to ensure its safe transport.
Seamless Coordination Across Borders
Perret noted that the successful delivery reflected close coordination between Cathay Cargo’s teams in the Chinese Mainland, airport and customs authorities, and various logistics partners.
The operation was supported by the Shanghai Airport Authority, customs officials, ground-handling agents, and Cathay Cargo’s logistics teams, who worked together to establish a “green channel” for expedited customs clearance.
Over a three-day process, teams conducted pre-document checks, fast-track security screening, and implemented enhanced cargo-handling procedures to ensure a smooth and efficient transfer.
A Continued Commitment to Arts and Culture
The project also highlights Cathay’s ongoing support for global cultural initiatives. The airline recently completed a three-year partnership with the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority to promote Hong Kong as an East-meets-West hub for cultural exchange.
Earlier this year, Cathay Cargo transported terracotta figures and more than 200 artefacts from Xi’an to Perth for the “Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor” exhibition, utilizing its Cathay Expert and Cathay Secure solutions to share cultural treasures safely with international audiences.
Through these initiatives, Cathay Cargo continues to play a pivotal role in connecting cultures, preserving heritage, and showcasing the logistics expertise behind the world’s greatest exhibitions.
