A cargo plane carrying giant pandas "An An" and "Ke Ke" arrived in the SAR from Chengdu on Thursday morning.

A welcome ceremony for the pair was held in front of the aircraft at the airport.

Chief Secretary Eric Chan, tourism and culture minister Kevin Yeung and Ocean Park chairman Paulo Pong were among those in attendance.

"Ever since the chief executive announced in July that the central government was again gifting pandas to the region, like all citizens, I felt very excited. We look forward to the two energetic and cute giant pandas joining the Hong Kong family," Chan said.

He also expressed his gratitude to those who helped transfer the pandas to the SAR.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, as well as the government of Sichuan province. They have contributed a lot of time and effort for the giant pandas' arrival in Hong Kong," Chan said.

"It has fully demonstrated the central government's love and support towards the region, and affirms our work in conserving, caring, and rearing giant pandas. It means a lot to Hong Kong."

Before leaving the aircraft, the pandas underwent health checks by staff from Ocean Park and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.

The pair will be put in quarantine at Ocean Park for a month.

Chan said he hopes the pandas grow healthily in Hong Kong, and bring more happiness and warmth to the public.