Aviation and maritime careers in Hong Kong

With world-class infrastructure and strategic location, Hong Kong stands as a leading international aviation and maritime hub, providing extensive connectivity to half the world's population within just five hours’ flight time. As one of the busiest international container ports, the Hong Kong Port (HKP) also connects nearly 500 destinations worldwide. These advantages, enhanced by strong government support, are creating diverse career opportunities for the aviation and maritime industries covering sectors including engineering, finance, and sustainable development.

Career opportunities for aviation and maritime professionals

As Hong Kong's aviation and maritime industries flourish, diverse career opportunities have emerged for professionals across different fields. Hong Kong International Airport currently handles over 33,660 aircraft movements each month, and with airport expansion and development plans underway, Hong Kong’s position as a leading international aviation hub continues to strengthen. The city is also committed to sustainable processing and trading for aircraft parts, creating new roles in dismantling, recycling, and training. Therefore, demand for aviation technicians is expected to rise, such as:

• Aircraft maintenance: Cross-border opportunities are expanding under the Joint Maintenance Management Cooperation Arrangement. This tripartite agreement between Hong Kong, Macao and the Mainland enables Aircraft Maintenance Licence (AML) holders to work across all three jurisdictions, increasing mobility and regional exposure, further enhancing career development opportunities. Notably, aircraft maintenance engineers are listed on Hong Kong’s Talent List, underscoring robust career opportunities for qualified overseas professionals.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong's maritime industry is demonstrating robust growth. The city brings together numerous international banks and financial institutions, while its capital market’s high liquidity provides strong support for shipping finance. Hong Kong is home to 7 of the world’s top 10 bookrunners for shipping syndicated loans. As of 2022, the maritime industry’s loans and advances reached approximately US$12.6 billion. This thriving landscape is creating strong demand for professionals and driving development and innovation in:

• Shipping finance: Hong Kong’s robust policies for expanding the local maritime network — including tax concessionary measures for ship leasing, marine insurance, and more — are creating strong momentum for industry growth. These measures have attracted the Mainland and overseas companies to expand their businesses in the city, while reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a knowledge hub for high-value-added maritime services.

Leading the development of green shipping policies, Hong Kong’s maritime industry is establishing itself as a green marine fuel bunkering and trading centre. In 2015, the city became the first port in Asia to mandate ocean-going vessels (OGVs) to switch to low sulphur fuel while at berth. In 2024, the Marine Department also launched the world’s first Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII)‑related scheme, encouraging industry actors to meet international standards on decarbonisation. These advancements are driving new opportunities for professionals specialising in: 

• Green shipping and maritime sustainability: Hong Kong’s growing focus on climate action prompts operators to adopt more sustainable practices, creating a positive feedback loop that stimulates further investments in low-emissions technologies. Additionally, the city will continue to explore development in clean fuel and bunkering facilities, providing new prospects in green fuel manufacturing, supplying, trading, shipping, bunkering or researching, and more.

Leveraging its global connections, cutting-edge technology, and commitment to sustainability, Hong Kong provides exceptional career opportunities in both the aviation and maritime industries. The next section will cover the qualifications and skills required for key positions in these fields.

Requirements for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, Shipping Finance Professionals, and Professional in Green Shipping

Aircraft Maintenance Engineers ensure aircraft safety and reliability. Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills are essential. Typical requirements include:

• A bachelor’s degree; and
• A valid Aircraft Maintenance Licence (AML) issued by the Civil Aviation Department (CAD), or a valid AML issued by civil aviation authorities as prescribed in the relevant Hong Kong Airworthiness Requirements, and meeting the related licensing requirements for converting the above licence to a Hong Kong AML.

From risk evaluation to market analysis, Shipping Finance Professionals provide services pertaining to the offering of mortgages, loans ship leasing contracts, and more to shipping companies. Strong analytical, financial modelling, and risk assessment skills are essential. Typical requirements include: 

• A bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, law, international shipping or related disciplines;
• Knowledge of international maritime law, marine insurances, shipping finance, ship brokerage or ship chartering, etc.; and
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in finance, shipping or transport sector in financial institutions, shipping companies, classification societies, marine consultancy companies, P&I clubs or shipyards

Professionals in Green Shipping ensure compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) environmental regulations, implement green technologies, assess environmental impacts of shipping operations, and provide expertise on marine green fuels trading. Strong technical knowledge and environmental management skills are essential. Typical requirements include:

• A bachelor's degree in business sustainability operations or management, environmental management, chemistry, environmental laws, design and technology for sustainability, green procurement & supply chain management, international shipping, green shipping or marine renewable energy, energy trading and sustainability or related disciplines;
• Knowledge of alternative fuel technologies and their applications, emission control systems, and energy efficiency solutions for the maritime sector; and
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in green fuel manufacturing, supplying, trading, shipping, bunkering or researching, etc. in the maritime industry.

For further details, please refer to the requirements for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, Shipping Finance Professionals and Professionals in Green Shipping on the Talent List.

Future-ready careers in aviation and maritime future

Hong Kong’s aviation and maritime sectors continue to embrace sustainability, innovation, and comprehensive training for a vibrant and diversified pool of professionals. With its expanding infrastructure, global market access, and strong policy support, Hong Kong’s aviation and shipping industry offers more than just jobs — it offers long-term, future-ready careers.

The information provided is for reference only and is subject to periodic updates. For the latest information, please visit the relevant website.