Cainiao Group, the logistics arm of Alibaba and a global leader in e-commerce logistics, has announced the launch of a new chartered flight service between Xi’an, China, and Liège, Belgium. Cainiao has introduced this bi-weekly route to strengthen its China-Europe cross-border shipping capabilities in preparation for the upcoming peak shopping season. By improving its logistics infrastructure, Cainiao is preparing to meet the rising demand for fast, efficient delivery of cross-border e-commerce goods.
First Flight: Cargo and Efficiency
The inaugural flight, a Boeing 767-300F freighter, took off from Xi’an carrying over 50 tons of e-commerce goods. These goods consisted of over 150,000 cross-border parcels, destined for consumers across Europe. Upon landing at Cainiao’s eHub in Liège, the goods were promptly processed for customs clearance, ensuring that they were sorted for onward distribution to key markets in Spain, France, Germany, and other European countries.
Cainiao’s efficient “air-to-ground transportation” model plays a key role in the quick delivery of goods from China to Europe. This model allows Cainiao to handle large volumes of parcels while ensuring that deliveries remain reliable and on schedule. By streamlining the customs process and optimising the transition from air to ground transport, the company provides cross-border merchants with a seamless logistics service.
Strategic Expansion of Cainiao’s Logistics Network
The newly launched chartered flight is an integral part of Cainiao’s broader strategy to enhance its global logistics network. This network not only includes its strategic air freight routes but also an expansive intra-European trucking system, which connects more than 30 countries across the continent. This integrated logistics framework ensures that goods shipped from China can reach even the most remote European markets quickly and cost-effectively.
William Xiong, Vice President of Cainiao Group, highlighted the significance of this new development, stating, “This newly launched chartered flight marks a significant step forward with Cainiao’s commitment to building a robust and resilient global logistics network. Through the expansion of our airfreight services, we are offering merchants quicker and more affordable shipping options, while guaranteeing that consumers receive their orders promptly and in excellent condition,
Resilient and Cost-Effective Air Freight Service
The addition of the Xi’an to Liège flight strengthens Cainiao’s position as a leader in cross-border e-commerce logistics. The dedicated air freight service provides merchants with greater reliability and speed, ensuring that they can meet consumer demands during the peak shopping season. With the eHub in Liège acting as a key node in Cainiao’s network, merchants can expect more streamlined delivery processes, reducing the time it takes for goods to reach customers.
The air freight service is complemented by Cainiao’s robust intra-European trucking network, which further ensures that goods can be distributed efficiently throughout Europe. This combination of air and ground transport is designed to offer a comprehensive solution to cross-border merchants, helping them grow their businesses by offering superior delivery experiences to customers.
Future Developments and Growth Potential
In recent years, Cainiao has invested heavily in developing its logistics infrastructure, with a particular focus on its smart regional eHub at Liège Airport. The company has also expanded its air freight capabilities by introducing new routes and improving existing ones. This latest flight from Xi’an to Liège is just one part of a larger effort to enhance Cainiao’s global logistics operations.
As e-commerce continues to grow, particularly in cross-border trade, Cainiao is positioning itself to handle even greater volumes of shipments. By investing in its logistics network and adopting innovative air-to-ground transportation strategies, Cainiao is able to offer merchants a reliable, cost-effective solution for reaching European markets.
The launch of the new Xi’an to Liège chartered flight is a key milestone in Cainiao’s efforts to expand its global logistics network. By providing a faster, more efficient cross-border delivery service, Cainiao is supporting the growth of e-commerce merchants and helping them deliver a better customer experience. With its seamless air-to-ground connectivity and comprehensive European distribution network, Cainiao is well-positioned to meet the increasing demands of the cross-border e-commerce market, particularly during the busy shopping seasons.
