Agreement to connect China with Europe via Hong Kong
Saudia Cargo recently announced the signing of cargo agreement with one of the leading IT and logistics operator, Cainiao Network, the logistics arm of China’s Alibaba Group, to support e-commerce operations between China and Europe by operating five weekly flights from Hong Kong to Liege in Belgium with Riyadh as a connection point.
These flights will form a sky bridge between Asia and Europe to cater to the high demand on e-commerce, which has surged enormously with the advent of the pandemic.
“We are excited for this strategic agreement which will enhance logistic services between the two continents through the famous Alibaba’s e-commerce platform and its high traffic of online shoppers,” affirmed Omar Talal Hariri, CEO, Saudia Cargo.
“This agreement is part of our framework to transform the Kingdom into an open gate for world trade and a bridge connecting East and West by leveraging its strategic location in the center of the world. Other promising partnerships will be coming up in the near future to reinforce logistic operations of Alibaba in both continents,” he added.
Cainiao Logistics
Cainiao logistics services cover more than 200 countries around the world placing the company as one of the most popular logistic services providers for many retailers and consumers globally.
“Expanding our logistics network into new regions will also help us in building efficient global exports network. This new route will be one of the key elements to create seamless logistics and increase synergy between different regions”, commented William Xiong, Chief Strategist and General Manager, Export Logistics, Cainiao.
Since the start of the pandemic, Saudia Cargo has announced several measures to ensure the continuity of its highly efficient logistic operations such as increasing cargo flights to many destinations in Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and USA to keep a regular flow of vital products and maintain the economic and commercial sustainability in the Kingdom, the carrier asserted through a press communiqué.
Saudia Cargo’s present fleet of 7 freighter-only aircraft (4 Boeing 777 and 3 Boeing 747-400F), Saudia Cargo has adequate space and tonnage capacity to haul e-commerce goods on different routes, cared for by highly trained personnel who ensure the safest delivery, the press note concluded.
