- 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.
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.
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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 2-8°C (140 sqm), and loose 15-25°C (400 sqm), 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 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 enhance 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.
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. The integration of innovative technology solutions, including AGVs, advanced PDAs, digital dashboards, and live tracking systems, supports a new generation of cargo management systems utilizing IoT technologies to drive efficient and sustainable e-commerce handling.
