Alibaba logistics arm Cainiao Network has expanded its direct flight network from China to Malaysia to boost efficiency for cross-border e-commerce.

In a press release, Alibaba said a direct flight will take off from south China’s Shenzhen (to Kuala Lumpur), three times a week, adding to the five weekly freight trips from Hangzhou to Kuala Lumpur already in operation. Transit times will fall by 24-48 hours, according to Cainiao.

“Our clients will have access to easier and faster order placement, bulk order management, and will be able to track the whole delivery progress with the service we offer,” said Kenny Wu, the senior logistics director overseeing Cainiao’s global supply chain.

Cainiao opened its smart logistics hub, dubbed “eHub”, near Kuala Lumpur Airport last November. The 240,000 sq m logistics hub comprises a 100,000 sq m warehouse, an airfreight area and a sorting centre.

In a LinkedIn post on July 13, Cainiao Network said: “We have expanded our direct flight network at the Cainiao Aeropolis eWTP (electronic World Trade Platform) Hub, with new weekly cargo flights from China to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Transit times will reduce by 24-48 hours, helping to shorten air freight transportation time and boosting efficiency for cross-border ecommerce!”

In June, Cainiao Network announced it will serve as the cross-border logistics provider for South Asia e-commerce platform and sister company Daraz.

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