Saudia Cargo, WFS and Cainiao launch collaboration at Liege Airport
04 / 03 / 2024
Photo: Saudia Cargo WFS and Cainiao Group
Saudia Cargo, Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) and Cainiao Group have launched a strategic collaboration at Liege Airport to boost the efficiency of cross-border e-commerce trade.
The collaboration at Cainiao’s Liege eHub aims to optimise e-commerce logistics processes through innovation and streamlining operations. The companies ultimately aim to create a business model for future e-commerce logistics gateways at global airports.
An inauguration ceremony was held on March 1 at the airside of the eHub, currently leased by WFS, with logistics procedures, facilities, and technology innovation invested in by Cainiao. 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 three-hour e-commerce transit, BUP (Bulk Utilisation Programme), release within three 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 for perishable and pharma cargo products jointly designed by the three parties.
These include areas for loose products 2-8°C (205 sq m), BUP 2-8°C (140 sq m), and loose products 15-25°C (400 sq m).
Additionally, the eHub has obtained border control post (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 Five-Day Delivery, in collaboration with AliExpress. The service is now available in ten countries worldwide.
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.
In November, Saudia extended its handling contract with WFS on flights connecting Liege and Riyadh, which covers 50,000 tonnes annually.
At the same time, SATS-owned WFS also agreed to sublease part of the Cainiao facility in Liege with a dedicated area to handle e-commerce shipments.
“WFS’s investment in subleasing part of the Cainiao facility in Liege illustrates its commitment to innovation and efficiency, creating a dedicated area for swift and real-time information processing,” said the companies.
“The integration of innovative technology solutions, including automated guided vehicles, advanced PDAs (handheld terminal), digital dashboards, and live tracking systems, supports a new generation of cargo management systems utilising Internet of Things technologies to drive efficient and sustainable e-commerce handling.”
