UK-registered air taxi and drone services provider Skyports has raised US$23 million in the first close of its series B funding round from a combination of new and existing investors. Skyports will use the funding to consolidate its position as a global leader in advanced air mobility infrastructure and drone operations. The company plans to scale its drone services operations in new and existing markets, building on active operations in the UK, Europe and Asia. Skyports … [Read more...] about Drone operator Skyports raises US$23 million in funding
e-commerce
FedEx on SMEs, e-commerce and reimagining logistics
The rapid rise in e-commerce has led to higher customer demand for timeliness and flexibility in logistics services, creating new challenges and opportunities for the entire industry. The speed with which a parcel can be picked up and delivered to doorsteps has become a ‘considering factor’ for integrators like FedEx to test and develop new advancements and technologies like sorting robots in warehouses and unmanned delivery vehicles in urban cities. In this interview, Payload Asia talks … [Read more...] about FedEx on SMEs, e-commerce and reimagining logistics
JD.com, Shopify team up to simplify US-China e-commerce
JD.com and Shopify are teaming up to connect independent brands in the US to consumers in China. The Chinese e-commerce giant will open an ‘accelerated’ channel for brands on Shopify to list their products through its cross-border e-commerce marketplace JD Worldwide. This streamlined channel will allow Shopify brands to start selling in China faster. JD.com promises a speedy process in 3 to 4 weeks, which is much shorter than the usual 1 year period required for foreign brands to start … [Read more...] about JD.com, Shopify team up to simplify US-China e-commerce
Cainiao to kickstart chartered flights from Kuala Lumpur hub
Cainiao Network has announced plans to launch a series of chartered flights from Malaysia to provide intra-Asia capacity and enhance air freight connectivity in the region. The first chartered flight will run weekly from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Shenzhen (SZX) via the newly launched Cainiao Aeropolis eWTP Hub at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The Kuala Lumpur-Shenzhen chartered flight will operate thrice a week, with a 13-tonne capacity to deliver Malaysian exports, including … [Read more...] about Cainiao to kickstart chartered flights from Kuala Lumpur hub
Sealed Air: From Bubble Wrap to smart packaging
Who would have thought that what was once invented as a 3-D wallpaper would find its way to revolutionize packaging? The bubble wrap, as we all have popped more than once when we were kids, has come a long way from its heavy industry use to everyday packaging for perishable food and for high-value and general e-commerce shipments. As one of the pioneers in the packaging business, Sealed Air has certainly seen how the market has changed over the years, particularly over the last year in which … [Read more...] about Sealed Air: From Bubble Wrap to smart packaging
Air cargo messaging solution finds way into Southeast Asia
SmartKargo has now embedded advanced encrypted messaging into its ecommerce shipping solution for free to its airline clients, including low-cost carrier Air Asia in Southeast Asia. Air Asia, through its air freight unit Teleport, recently implemented the EDIfly messaging solution with its ground handling partners in Indonesia, Payload Asia learned. SmartKargo said the platform facilitates exchanges for a growing number of partners in ground handling and warehouse management, airline … [Read more...] about Air cargo messaging solution finds way into Southeast Asia
