Airbus launch partner Vallair is set to start the first A321 freighter conversion in China. The work will be undertaken for Vallair by EFW at the ST Engineering facility in Guangzhou, with the aircraft planned for delivery in the third quarter of next year to charter and ACMI operator SmartLynx. “We are excited to be embarking on the next phase of our A321 passenger to freighter conversion activity” says Gregoire Lebigot, CEO of Vallair. “MSN 1017 will be the first of nine aircraft … [Read more...] about A321 freighter conversions to start in China
E-commerce
Cainiao starts cross-border parcel return service in Hong Kong
Alibaba’s logistics arm Cainiao has launched an ‘industry-first’ reverse logistics channel between China and Hong Kong as it aims to simply the returns process for Taobao and Tmall shoppers. The reverse logistics channel will comprise 42 drop-off locations across Hong Kong island. The entire returns process will be handled by Cainiao, including digital customs clearance, which can be monitored on the Taobao app. Also read: Alibaba’s Cainiao to ship same day in 11 Asian countries The … [Read more...] about Cainiao starts cross-border parcel return service in Hong Kong
Logistics tech startup Shippit nabs US$22m funding, eyes Southeast Asia growth
Sydney-based logistics startup Shippit has raised US$22.4 million (A$30 million) in a series B round led by US-based tech investment firm Tiger Global, as it looks to tap new markets in Southeast Asia. The e-commerce and logistics company said it will use the funds for product development and new hires, aiming to add another 100 people to double its staff across Asia Pacific, including 50 software developers. Also read: SingPost, Shippit team up to boost parcel delivery for … [Read more...] about Logistics tech startup Shippit nabs US$22m funding, eyes Southeast Asia growth
Malaysia Airport’s new hub with Alibaba aims to bolster e-commerce, air cargo
The Cainiao Aeropolis eWTP Hub, Malaysia, a joint venture between Malaysia Airports and Alibaba, has officially started operations at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and is expected to allow 24-hour delivery within the country. Formerly known as KLIA Aeropolis DFTZ Park, the e-fulfilment hub spans 60 acres (2.6 million sqft) with 1.1 million sqft of warehouse space and is expected to double KUL’s cargo volume to 1.4 million per year by 2029. Operated by Cainiao Smart Logistics … [Read more...] about Malaysia Airport’s new hub with Alibaba aims to bolster e-commerce, air cargo
DSV looks to boost e-commerce service with Prime Cargo purchase
DSV Panalpina is eyeing to ramp up its e-commerce game as the Danish company announced plans to acquire Prime Cargo, owned by Japanese logistics group Mitsui-Soko, including the forwarding company’s business in Denmark, Poland and China. Prime Cargo's expertise within e-commerce is well known and the company operates fully automated warehouses similar to DSV’s Oslo facility. Also read: DSV ramps up innovation at Oslo facility, works with startups on Plug & Play “Prime Cargo in … [Read more...] about DSV looks to boost e-commerce service with Prime Cargo purchase
SingPost eyes stake in Australian 4PL to boost e-commerce push
Singapore Post (SingPost) is looking to purchase a 38 percent stake in Freight Management Holdings (FMH), a fourth-party logistics (4PL) service company based in Victoria, Australia, for US$62 million (A$85.0 million). Its wholly-owned subsidiary SingPost Logistics Holdings on 16 October entered into a conditional sale and purchase agreement with the existing shareholders of FMH, as well as share subscription agreement with the Australian 4PL for the stake purchase, according to a bourse … [Read more...] about SingPost eyes stake in Australian 4PL to boost e-commerce push