Cainiao Network (Cainiao) has partnered with Qatar Airways to launch a weekly charter flight using a B777F freighter from Hong Kong (HKG) to São Paulo (GRU).

The Alibaba logistics unit said the move comes as e-commerce retail in Brazil is growing at a ‘phenomenal’ rate. Caniao’s business in Latin America saw a three-figure growth rate over the past year and has driven a focused air cargo network expansion in recent months to secure smooth supply chain performance.

On 5 March, Cainiao’s first B777F charter flight, with 100 tonnes of cargo capacity, departed HKG at 6.45 PM UTC bound for Guarulhos Airport (GRU), with a tech stop at Qatar’s cargo hub in Doha.

Some of the cargo reported on board included online retail products such as beauty and fashion goods, jewellery, watches, appliances, toys, and sports equipment.