New collaboration aims to create a business model for future e-commerce logistics gateways at global airports
Saudia Cargo, Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a Member of the SATS Group, and Cainiao Group have officially launched their strategic collaboration at Cainiao’s Liege eHub in Liege Airport, Belgium, further solidifying their longstanding partnership.
The collaboration is aimed at optimizing logistics processes through operational streamlining and the adoption of logistics innovations, according to an official press communique.
An inauguration ceremony was held today at the airside of the eHub, currently leased by WFS, with logistics procedures, facilities, and innovations invested in by Cainiao, demonstrating a commitment to delivering best quality service solutions to clients and partners. WFS, in close collaboration with Cainiao, operates within the air cargo station.
Since November 2021, Cainiao and WFS have been working together 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.
The collaboration has also bolstered the logistics capacity of the eHub, with three temperature-controlled facilities jointly designed by the three parties. These include areas for loose 2-8°C (205 sqm), BUP (Bulk Utilization Program) 2-8°C (140sqm), and loose 15-25°C (400sqm), supporting the transportation of perishable and pharma cargo products. Additionally, the eHub has obtained BCP certification, enabling the transport of fresh goods and further enhancing its capacity to facilitate cross-border trade.
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. Earlier this year, Cainiao launched its international express shipping service, Global 5-Day Delivery, in collaboration with AliExpress, now available in ten countries worldwide, the press statement continued.
The collaboration between Saudia Cargo and Cainiao includes specific freighter flights from Hong Kong to Riyadh and Liege, strategically tailored to meet the increasing logistics demands in these key regions and enhancing e-commerce delivery efficiency. Furthermore, the contract extension to WFS for handling over 50,000 tonnes annually on flights connecting Liege and Riyadh underscores Saudia Cargo’s ambition for operational excellence and reliable logistics services.
Pivotal market
“With the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia serving as a pivotal market, our operations into Liege solidify its status as a crucial hub for efficient connections to Europe, while also strengthening our position in the KSA market,” affirmed Teddy Zebitz, CEO, Saudia Cargo.
“By combining WFS’ proven handling capabilities with the use of innovative technologies, our team in Liege look forward to delivering the clearly defined service standards set by Cainiao and Saudia, and to supporting the continued growth of our successful collaboration,” commented John Batten, Chief Executive Officer, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia (EMEAA) WFS.
“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,” remarked Eric Xu, Vice President, Cainiao Group.
