Page 26 - Logistics Update Africa March - April 2024 issue for Website

REPORTS

PARTNERSHIPS TO MAKE

ECOMMERCE LOGISTICS

MORE EFFICIENT

Saudia Cargo, WFS and Cainiao collaboration that was
inaugurated at Liege in Belgium is the beginning of a business
model for future eCommerce logistics gateways at global airports.

t the Liege Airport in Belgium, three temperature-controlled facilities
Saudia Cargo, WFS and jointly designed by the three parties. These
Cainiao jointly inaugurated a include areas for loose 2-8°C (205 sqm),
Afacility to support and enhance BUP 2-8°C (140 sqm), and loose 15-25°C
cross-border eCommerce trade. The (400 sqm), supporting the transportation
inauguration of the eHub on 1 March of perishable and pharma cargo products.
followed the announcement of the Additionally, the eHub has obtained BCP (L to R) Teddy Zebitz, CEO, Saudia Cargo; John Batten,
collaboration made in Jeddah, Saudi certification, enabling the transport of CEO, EMEAA, WFS; Eric Xu, VP, Cainiao Group and
Arabia in November last year. fresh goods and further enhancing its Mohammed Esa, EVP Group Commercial, WFS
The new collaboration aims to create capacity to facilitate cross-border trade. network. Our meticulous process, from
a business model for future eCommerce This initiative addresses the growing pre-built ULDs in Hong Kong to seamless
logistics gateways at global airports and demand for high-quality logistics handover in Liege via Riyadh, ensures
optimizing logistics processes through operations in the cross-border eCommerce an uninterrupted flow of eCommerce
operational streamlining and the adoption sector, particularly in the Middle East materials,” said Teddy Zebitz, CEO of
of logistics innovations. WFS, a member and European markets. Earlier this year, Saudia Cargo.
of the SATS Group, will handle more Cainiao launched its international express Investment by WFS in subleasing part
than 50,000 tonnes annually at the Liege shipping service, Global 5-Day Delivery, of the Cainiao facility in Liege illustrates its
hub, which includes three temperature- in collaboration with AliExpress, now commitment to innovation and efficiency,
controlled facilities. Cainiao, a global available in ten countries worldwide. creating a dedicated area for swift and
leader in eCommerce logistics and The collaboration between Saudia real-time information processing. The
the largest provider of cross-border Cargo and Cainiao includes specific integration of innovative technology
eCommerce logistics globally, has invested freighter flights from Hong Kong to solutions, including AGVs, advanced
in the logistics procedures and facilities. Riyadh and Liege, strategically tailored PDAs, digital dashboards, and live tracking
WFS, in close collaboration with Cainiao, to meet the increasing logistics demands systems, supports a new generation of
operates within the air cargo station. in these key regions and enhancing cargo management systems utilizing
Since November 2021, Cainiao and e-commerce delivery efficiency. IoT technologies to drive efficient and
WFS have been working together to Furthermore, the contract extension to sustainable e-commerce handling.
enhance operational quality for joint WFS for handling over 50,000 tonnes Through continuously equipping our
partners like Saudia Cargo. Key service annually on flights connecting Liege Liege eHub with cutting-edge technology
level agreement commitments include a and Riyadh underscores Saudia Cargo’s solutions and facilities, we managed to
3-hour e-commerce transit, BUP release ambition for operational excellence and boost the efficiency of logistics operations
within 3 hours from ATA, and truck reliable logistics services. while improving customer experience
handling in less than 90 minutes. “Central to this endeavor is our through greater transparency and
The collaboration has also bolstered partnership with Cainiao, leveraging traceability,” said Eric Xu, Vice President of
the logistics capacity of the eHub, with their unparalleled capacity and global Cainiao Group.

24 LUA MARCH - APRIL 2024