Super Terminal Expo Announces Winners Of The Inaugural STE Awards 2024

Hong Kong, China, November 5, 2024 – Super Terminal Expo announced the winners of the first-ever STE Awards tonight, celebrating outstanding achievements in terminal design and operations. The awards were presented at the STE – CAPA Gala Dinner & Awards on November 5, 2024 at Regala Skycity Hotel in Hong Kong, China.

The Awards recognised excellence across five distinct categories:

• Best Terminal Design:  Winner: Changi Airport Group

  The Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 Expansion (T2E) project, completed on November 1, 2023, added five million passengers per annum to the terminal’s handling capacity. The revamped T2 features greenery and nature-inspired elements, enhancing the passenger experience by integrating visual, auditory, and interactive elements to create a sense of tranquillity. The project embodies a harmonious interplay between technology and nature, with immersive installations like the Wonderfall digital waterfall and the Dreamscape indoor garden, creating a serene and engaging environment for travellers.

• Best Innovation:  Winners: Aerovision Technology Limited, Nuctech Company Limited

  Aerovision Technology Limited’s Intelligent Cargo/Baggage Thermal Detection System addresses the fire risks associated with lithium batteries and other flammable products. By integrating AI algorithms with thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, the system provides accurate detection results without interrupting cargo flow. This innovative solution enhances overall safety, minimizes potential losses, and has earned international invention patents and multiple innovation awards.

  Nuctech Company Limited’s WooKong H system introduces a fixed gantry with the largest tunnel size in the market, offering at least 25% more space than any existing model. The system’s multi-beam X-ray source, using CNT cold cathode technology, provides superior focal spot control and instant activation. Its compact design and high tunnel dimensions are tailored for airport operations, improving the efficiency of security screening processes.

• Best Sustainable Initiative:

  Airport Winner: Hong Kong International Airport

  Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has been recognized for its comprehensive sustainability vision, which aims to achieve environmental and operational excellence. The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) introduced the Ascend strategic framework in 2023/24, setting 24 strategic goals across four pillars to guide their sustainability journey. HKIA’s commitment to achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050, supported by the HKIA Decarbonisation Roadmap to 2035, and initiatives like the Airside Vehicles Electrification Programme and the GSE Pooling Scheme, have significantly reduced emissions and promoted sustainability.

  Technology Winner: ADB Safegate

  ADB Safegate is pioneering sustainable digital transformation in aviation with innovations like the LINC 360 ILCMS, which supports Follow-the-Green technology to optimize aircraft taxi routes, reducing taxi time, fuel consumption, and de-icing needs. Their commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by the use of recyclable components and the elimination of harmful substances in their products. ADB Safegate’s intelligent lighting control systems save up to three minutes of taxi time per movement, significantly reducing emissions and enhancing airport efficiency.

• Best Cargo Hub: Winner: Hong Kong International Airport

  Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)’s strategic location in Asia allows flights to reach half of the world’s population within five hours, and its state-of-the-art cargo terminal facilities offer an annual handling capacity of 7.7 million tonnes. The airport’s efficient and reliable cargo services, including a 3-hour export cut-off time and 24-hour on-site customs clearance, further solidify its position as a global leader in cargo operations.

The nominations underwent a rigorous two-round judging process in October, ensuring that only the most deserving candidates were honoured.

Judges included (in alphabetical order):

• Adrian Schofield, Auckland Bureau Chief, Aviation Week Network

• Amy So, Project Director, Asia Sustainability, Informa Markets

• Dave Stroud, Managing Director, Air Transport Strategy and Consulting, Aviation Week Network

• Joe Anselmo, Editorial Director, Aviation Week Network

• Lu Luo, APAC Regional Director, Air Transport, Aviation Week Network

• Paul Burton, Managing Director, APAC, Aviation Week Network

• Simon Elsegood, Head of Research, CAPA - Centre for Aviation

STE Awards 2024 also recognised industry trail blazers who spearheaded initiatives that elevated operational standards, enriched experiences, and delivered significant advancements, setting new precedents for excellence and innovation with its Service Excellence Award . This year’s list include -

• Henan Airport Group Co., Ltd.

• Jayson Goh, Executive Vice President, Airport Management, Changi Airport Group

• Gordon Steward, Chief Operating Officer, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad;

• Dr Kerati Kijmanawat, President, Airports of Thailand;

• Angelito Alvarez, General Manager, New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation;

• Pradeep Panicker, President & Chief Executive Officer, GMR Hyderabad Airport

Super Terminal Expo 2024 officially opened its doors today, heralding the commencement of an important three-day event running from 5 to 7 November. Esteemed government officials and influential members from industry associations were in attendance, signalling the event’s considerable significance and their shared dedication to driving innovation in terminal operations. The event serves as a bustling hub, featuring an assortment of international exhibitors, leading-edge technological solutions, and professionals from the aviation industry—all united by the compelling theme to "Redefine Passenger and Cargo Handling Experience through Technological Innovation." Admission for the exhibition is free to all trade visitors.

Alongside the exhibition is the STE Conference, featuring more than 80 content sessions designed to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in terminal operations. These sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including the latest trends in airport design, construction, and operations.

Organised by Informa Markets, the world’s largest event organiser, Super Terminal Expo has strategically chosen aviation as the focal point for its inaugural year as we recognise the unparalleled opportunities present within Asia’s aviation sector.

Super Terminal Expo is supported by Airport Authority Hong Kong, Aviation Week Network, and CAPA - Centre for Aviation, Hong Kong International Aviation Academy and International Cooperation and Service Center, CAAC.

For more information about the STE Awards and the winners, please visit Super Terminal Expo’s website. www.superterminalexpo.com

About Super Terminal Expo

Super Terminal Expo is a leading platform dedicated to showcasing the latest advancements in terminal design and operations. The STE Awards aim to recognize and celebrate excellence in the industry, fostering innovation and sustainability.