#Hong Kong #Hitachi Vantara #Cold Chain #Asia Airfreight

Asia Airfreight Terminal Transforms Operations with Hitachi Vantara

Asia Airfreight Terminal (AAT), one of the main players in air cargo logistics at Hong Kong International Airport, has made significant strides in ensuring seamless operations through the adoption of Hitachi Vantara’s cutting-edge infrastructure. Aiming for a highly efficient cold chain logistics system, AAT has implemented Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform (VSP) One, resulting in numerous operational improvements.

Zero Downtime and Enhanced Storage

With the installation of Hitachi VSP One, AAT has reported remarkable achievements, including zero downtime since the switch. The enhanced infrastructure has tripled the terminal’s storage capacity and contributed to an impressive reduction in energy consumption—over 50%. These developments not only improve operational efficiency but also strengthen AAT's commitment to sustainability in a sector where reliability and environmental stewardship are paramount.

Chris Chow, IT Infrastructure Manager at AAT, voiced the terminal’s commitment: “Asia Airfreight Terminal operates around the clock, every day of the year, and we cannot afford any interruptions. Hitachi Vantara's infrastructure guarantees total data availability, which is crucial for our operations.”

The emphasis on rapid and uninterrupted service is vital at AAT, particularly given its role as a handler for temperature-sensitive goods, including essential pharmaceuticals. Any lapses in their logistics could risk compliance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards, thus jeopardizing critical deliveries.

Streamlined Operations with Advanced Technology

AAT’s decision to partner with Hitachi Vantara, alongside Rainbow Tech Information, facilitated the deployment of VSP One Block with global-active device (GAD) replication capabilities across dual data centers. This feature significantly minimizes hardware complexity by eliminating the need for separate management appliances, leading to easier setup and ongoing maintenance.

Furthermore, the architecture simplifies operations by enabling seamless failover, real-time deduplication, and compression, in addition to offering immutable backups to combat ransomware—an increasingly prevalent concern in the logistics sector. Since the upgrade, AAT has successfully reduced its rack footprint by an outstanding 75%, demonstrating the project's efficiency in resource management.

Sustainability Meets Innovation

The integration of such technology aligns with the broader industry commitment to sustainability, with AAT being determined to meet rising environmental standards. Chow stated, “The aviation sector is increasingly focusing on sustainability, and an energy-efficient infrastructure helps us align with the goals set by the IATA Environmental Assessment.” Hitachi Vantara's solutions are crucial in this context, earning ENERGY STAR® certifications that underscore their commitment to energy efficiency.

Valerie Yuen, General Manager for Hitachi Vantara in Hong Kong and Macau, expressed pride in the collaboration with AAT. She highlighted the deployment as a benchmark in operational resilience and an exemplar of how modern infrastructure can support continuous operations while adhering to sustainability objectives.

Conclusion

As the logistics and supply chain sectors become more complex and competitive, AAT's implementation of Hitachi Vantara’s advanced infrastructure marks a pivotal moment showcasing how strategic technology investments can enhance service delivery, sustain operational growth, and ensure environmental responsibility. This partnership not only reaffirms AAT’s position as a leader in air cargo but also sets a standard for others aiming to improve cold chain logistics.

For those interested in how technology can transform logistics operations, more information is available at Hitachi Vantara.