Cainiao Smart Gateway (菜鳥智慧港) is a state-of-the-art smart logistics centre situated in the Hong Kong International Airport. Owing to its prime location, advanced logistics facilities, and transportation network, it enables faster processing of air freight, shortened delivery times, greater efficiency, reduced costs, and expanded logistics networks. With a height of up to 11.3 meters and an architecture design capable of bearing loads of 17.5kPa to 25kPa, Cainiao Smart Gateway spans 12 floors and covers a total rental area of 4,100,000 square feet, allowing for high-density shelving for storage of goods. The warehouse features automated systems such as Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS), AGV automatic guided vehicles and conveyor belts, allowing operations to run with minimal headcount. The double-sided cargo platform design, together with direct ramps on each floor, allows for high volume flow of goods, enhancing operational efficiency.

A visit to Cainiao Smart Gateway was held on 26-27 March 2024. 75 students from the MSc in Global Supply Chain Management Programme (MSc-GSCM) and BBA in Supply Chain Management (BBA-SCM) attended the visit. Through the visit and sharing by the company representatives, students gained an in-depth understanding of air cargo handling and logistics services. In addition, students also had the opportunity to learn about how automation strengthens cost-effectiveness, storage density and productivity by visiting the AS/RS facility, thus gaining insights into the logistics flow.