Cainiao Network has announced plans to launch a series of chartered flights from Malaysia to provide intra-Asia capacity and enhance air freight connectivity in the region.

The first chartered flight will run weekly from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Shenzhen (SZX) via the newly launched Cainiao Aeropolis eWTP Hub at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

The Kuala Lumpur-Shenzhen chartered flight will operate thrice a week, with a 13-tonne capacity to deliver Malaysian exports, including local produce and electronic products, within four hours.

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In the near term, Cainiao will be launching more direct flights connecting major cities, including Hangzhou, Sydney, Singapore, and Jakarta in Indonesia, to enhance air freight connectivity and stability in the region.

A statement from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry of Malaysia revealed that China was the country’s largest export destination last year, with exports expanding 12.5 percent to US$24.6 billion in 2020 or 16.2 percent of total exports.

“The launch of direct chartered flights will support the increase in trade flow from Malaysia to China and the broader APAC region. Here, the enhanced air freight stability will play a key role in fostering economic development in Malaysia while also instilling greater resilience among SMEs,” said Shawn Louis, Executive General Manager for Cainiao and Chief LazGlobal Logistics Officer.