Saudia Cargo, Worldwide Flight Services, and Cainiao Group have officially launched their strategic collaboration at Cainiao’s e-commerce hub in Belgium’s Liège Airport.
The companies said the collaboration is aimed at optimizing logistics processes through operational streamlining and the adoption of logistics innovations at the eHub.
Cainiao and WFS have been working together since November 2021 to enhance operational quality for joint partners like Saudia Cargo. Key service-level agreement commitments include a 3-hour e-commerce transit, BUP release within 3 hours from ATA, and truck handling in less than 90 minutes.
Parties shared the collaboration has also bolstered the logistics capacity of the eHub, with three temperature-controlled facilities jointly designed by the trifecta. These include areas for loose 2-8°C (205 sqm), BUP 2-8°C (140 sqm), and loose 15-25°C (400 sqm), supporting the transportation of perishable and pharma cargo products, complete with BCP certification for moving fresh goods for cross-border trade.
The companies shared this initiative addresses the growing demand for high-quality logistics operations in the cross-border e-commerce sector, particularly in the Middle East and European markets.
The collaboration between Saudia Cargo and Cainiao includes specific freighter flights from Hong Kong to Riyadh and Liège to meet the increasing logistics demands in these key regions. WFS, which has subleased part of the Cainiao facility in Belgium, will handle over 50,000 tonnes annually on flights between the air hub and Riyadh.
The company looks to leverage on innovative technology solutions, including AGVs, advanced PDAs, digital dashboards, and live tracking systems to support the new generation of cargo management systems utilizing IoT technologies
Earlier this year, Cainiao launched its international express shipping service, Global 5-Day Delivery, in collaboration with AliExpress, which is now available in ten countries worldwide.
Teddy Zebitz, CEO of Saudia Cargo, remarked: “Our collaboration marks a strategic milestone, addressing the burgeoning significance of e-commerce in the air cargo sector. Our aim is clear-to introduce a business model that enhances efficiency, reliability, and innovation on a global scale, reshaping the landscape of international trade. With the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia serving as a pivotal market, our operations into Liège solidify its status as a crucial hub for efficient connections to Europe, while also strengthening our position in the KSA market.”
“Central to this endeavor is our partnership with Cainiao, leveraging their unparalleled capacity and global network. Our meticulous process, from pre-built ULDs in Hong Kong to seamless handover in Liège via Riyadh, ensures an uninterrupted flow of e-commerce materials. In parallel, as we expand our capacity and cargo flights worldwide, the collaboration with WFS/SATS underscores our commitment to innovation and efficiency, revolutionizing e-commerce handling with cutting-edge technologies.”
John Batten, Chief Executive Officer, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia at WFS, also commented: “WFS is proud to be extending our partnership with Cainiao and Saudia Cargo. As highly-respected leaders in their respective fields, they recognize that key aspects of e-commerce and cargo handling supply chains are most efficient when they are delivered by experienced and trusted partners. By combining WFS’ proven handling capabilities with the use of innovative technologies, our team in Liège look forward to delivering the clearly-defined service standards set by Cainiao and Saudia, and to supporting the continued growth of our successful collaboration.”
Eric Xu, Vice President of Cainiao Group, stated: “Cainiao is committed to transforming the logistics industry through continuous innovation to enable a seamless e-commerce experience and we are delighted to find close partners like Saudi Cargo and WFS on this path. Through continuously equipping our Liège eHub with cutting-edge technology solutions and facilities, we managed to boost the efficiency of logistics operations while improving customer experience through greater transparency and traceability. We are confident that this win-win collaboration will further reinforce Cainiao’s position as the world’s leading cross-border e-commerce logistics provider by offering the valued customers of us three companies with enhanced experience.”
