A somewhat-new partnership is looking to create a future business model for e-commerce logistics gateways at major air hubs, amidst looming demand driven by online shopping.

Saudia Cargo, Cainiao Network, and Worldwide Flight Services (WFS, a Member of the SATS Group) have agreed to reinforce and increase their existing collaboration to focus on optimizing logistics processes by streamlining operations and adopting innovations.

The initiative is in response to ‘escalating’ demand for high-quality logistics operations in the cross-border e-commerce sector, particularly in the Middle East and European markets.

A key component of this collaboration will be an established dedicated area in the air cargo station of Cainiao Liege eHub in Belgium, where ground handler WFS/SATS also operates.

Saudia Cargo has allotted significant exclusive capacity for Cainiao and conducts high-frequency flights on the Hong Kong, to Liege via Riyadh route. The airline has extended a contract with WFS/SATS for handling over 50,000 tonnes annually on flights connecting Liege and Riyadh

The strategic collaboration between Saudia Cargo, Cainiao, and WFS/SATS will start on 1 March 2024.