Emirates SkyCargo, Cainiao Network ink MoU to use Dubai as a hub

June 13, 2018: Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cainiao Smart Logistics Network Ltd, the logistics arm of the Alibaba Group. It will jointly facilitate the delivery of cross-border parcels as Cainiao looks to expand its global logistics infrastructure with Dubai as a hub.

The MoU was signed by Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional senior vice president, cargo and Xiaodong Guan, general manager of Cainiao Global Business at Cainiao’s global headquarters in Hangzhou. It is a landmark agreement for both Emirates SkyCargo and Cainiao to leverage each other’s strengths in cross-border e-commerce trade and airline cargo operation. It will also support Cainiao’s broader efforts to offer enhanced customer experience. Cainiao recently unveiled plans to develop six global hubs in six cities around the globe.

Under the terms of the MoU, Emirates SkyCargo and Cainiao will work closely to manage e-commerce shipments in the Middle East and other neighbouring regions through Dubai.

“With Emirates SkyCargo’s network spread, frequency of flights including close to 50 weekly flights from China, our state-of-the-art hub facilities and the strategic location of Dubai which allows it to serve as an effective logistics hub for the region, we are confident that we will be a strong partner for Cainiao to bring an enhanced experience to their customers in the Middle East and neighbouring regions,” said Sultan.

“As a key gateway that links Asia and Europe, Dubai is well positioned to help us achieve our goal of 72-hour global delivery. The MoU with Emirates SkyCargo is another milestone to reach this goal. We have a strong commitment to Dubai and the neighbouring markets. This fits well with our broader strategy,” said Xiaodong Guan, general manager of Cainiao Global Business.