Cainiao, Hong Kong Air Cargo team up on e-commerce

by Payload Asia

Cainiao has added another airline partner to its growing logistics network as it promises online consumers delivery within 3 days in Southeast Asia.
Alibaba’s logistics arm announced a partnership with Hong Kong Air Cargo to launch cargo flights to Southeast Asia via Cainiao’s eHub in the world city.

‘Phase 1’ of this new partnership will see seven weekly flights from Hong Kong to Manila, as well as three and six flights each week to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, respectively. The integration of the air cargo hub, along with the ‘new logistics flow,’ is expected to cut the delivery time for goods shipped to the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand. Cainiao says sustomers ordering from Lazada can expect parcels from Mainland China to arrive in as fast as three days.

Also read: Keeping up with eCommerce: Key focus areas for air cargo

“Traditionally, eCommerce goods from Mainland China are transported to Hong Kong and into a warehouse for sorting and consolidation before it can be shipped to Southeast Asia. With the integration of Cainiao eHub into the logistics chain, goods can now be moved directly to the eHub located near the airport to shorten overall delivery time,” the company noted.

Cainiao said the added cargo capacity will support growing e-commerce logistics demand in Southeast Asia, with the ability to transport around a quarter million parcels per week.

“With more cross-border eCommerce goods moving from Mainland China to Southeast Asia, the launch of cargo flights via Cainiao eHub will allow us to create a seamless logistics network that will improve efficiency and reduce shipping time,” said James Zhao, general manager of Cainiao Global Supply Chain. “The partnership with Hong Kong Air Cargo will further safeguard air freight stability and cost efficiency to benefit merchants and consumers in the region,” he added.

Cainiao has been busy expanding its air freight network to more countries and regions to achieve its goal of delivering globally within 72 hours. In March, it partnered with Saudia Cargo to form an air bridge between Hong Kong and Liege with Riyadh as a connection point.