July 22, 2025 – Westwell, a global leader in artificial intelligence and smart transportation, has secured a landmark agreement with Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), claiming the title of the world’s busiest cargo airport for 14 times since 2010. Under this partnership, Westwell’s self-developed autonomous electric  tractor, Q-Tractor will commence official operations at HKIA, providing automated loading and transport services for baggage and cargo handling, accelerating the airport’s development of smart airport.

Image: Q-Tractor Commences Operations at HKIA

In 2024, HKIA handled 4.9 million tonnes of cargo, according to Airports Council International (ACI), securing its position as the world's busiest air cargo hub for the 14th consecutive year since 2010. This represents a 14% year-on-year increase from 2023. In addition to robust cargo investments and infrastructure development, HKIA commissioned the Three-Runway System in November last year, which has increased the airport cargo handling capacity to 10 million tonnes per year. 

The first batch of Q-Tractors, tailored for airport, industrial park, and logistics hub applications, will be deployed at HKIA. Equipped with L4 autonomous driving capabilities, the vehicles feature scene-aware decision-making and AI-powered connectivity. Powered by a 116.5kWh high-capacity battery, they deliver an extended range of 200km. Advanced AI computing, BEV (Bird’s-Eye View) perception and Transformer-based AI architecture enable the 360° precise perception and centimeter-level docking accuracy. The VLM-based autonomous driving system significantly enhances environmental perception and decision-making capabilities, ensuring safe, high-efficiency operations.

HKIA’s dense and extensive aviation network and heavy passenger traffic called for exceptionally high standard of baggage and cargo handling, the Q-Tractor’s autonomous driving and automatic hitching capabilities will fulfill the demand, significantly improving the intra-airport transport efficiency.

Image: Q-Tractor Operates on the Apron-side at HKIA

As the first global airport to implement large-scale autonomous vehicle operations, HKIA recognizes the transformative potential of self-driving technology in digitalization. Leveraging its expertise in aviation and port logistics, Westwell will deepen collaboration with HKIA to advance intelligent and green transformation while driving efficiency improvements and sustainable development across the air logistics industry.