According to data published by market analyst, Transport Intelligence, in their latest Global E-Commerce Logistics Report, the global e-commerce logistics market is expected to grow by 7.9% in 2023, reaching a value of €451 billion.
In view of the upsurge of global e-trade, it is not surprising that the air freight industry is experiencing an increasing trend to new collaborations, with those involved wanting to secure as large a slice of the cake as possible. The recently announced alliance between Saudia Cargo, Cainiao, and WFS, is an expression of this dynamic business segment.

Online shopping is increasingly replacing the traditional brick and mortar business. A walk through the centers of many European cities, illustrates this. Plenty of stores flocked to by shoppers in the past, are now closed. E-commerce can be blamed. And things are likely to get even worse for store owners, as more and more people are using the internet to shop and have their orders delivered to their doorstep by courier companies.
Business interests converge in Liège’s warehouse
What does this have to do with Cainiao, Saudia Cargo, and WFS? At first glance, nothing, but a closer look reveals – a lot. The three actors are the link between manufacturers and consumers, and their services ensure that online shoppers receive their goods as quickly, cheaply, and conveniently as possible. The close cooperation between the three companies that has now been announced, includes another player: Liège Airport in Belgium. The transportation giant, Cainiao, which was founded in Hangzhou in 2013 and belongs to the Chinese Alibaba Group, operates a large warehouse there. Saudia Cargo had its shipments handled there by Aviapartner but replaced the ground service provider by bringing in WFS. The Aviapartner successor now manages parts of the Cainiao warehouse and will significantly expand this activity by 50,000 tons per year through close cooperation with the other two partners. This is to take place from 01MAR24 onwards, when the contract concluded between Saudia Cargo, Cainiao, and WFS comes into force.
Paving the way for a seamless flow of shipments
In addition to its own freighter fleet, Cainiao will use the capacity of Saudia Cargo’s freighters for the transportation of e-commerce shipments ex Hong Kong, as part of the agreement now reached between the trio. The Saudi carrier serves Liège on average eight times a week, operating B747-400F or B777F, with the HKG flights routed via Jeddah or Riyadh. Thanks to 5th freedom rights, Saudia also connects Liège with New York. “Our collaboration ensures a seamless flow of e-commerce materials from Hong Kong to Liège. With high frequency flights on our Hong Kong to Liege route via Riyadh, we have a significant capacity exclusively dedicated to Cainiao. Utilizing a meticulous process involving pre-built ULDs, we facilitate an uninterrupted supply chain, supporting Cainiao in achieving their key performance indicators,” remarks Teddy Zebitz, CEO of Saudia Cargo.
Upgrading handling practices
In a statement, John Batten, CEO, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia (EMEAA) of SATS group member, WFS, pointed out that so far, e-commerce shipments have been processed within a traditional air cargo handling environment.With the growth projections for e-trade, the industry response must be more dynamic and tailored, he urged. “And this is what WFS/SATS aims to deliver in Liège working alongside Saudia Cargo and Cainiao,” the WFS executive stated. This three-party collaboration leverages operational excellence skills and requirements from the airline, cargo handler, and e-commerce logistics perspectives. “It will exemplify our commitment to innovation, speed, and real-time information for the future of the e-commerce logistics ecosystem.”
The deal benefits all partners similarly
Eric Xu, Vice President of Cainiao Group, spoke of a win-win collaboration that willfurther reinforce Cainiao’s position as one of the world’s leading cross-border e-commerce logistics providers. “Through continuously equipping our Liège eHub with cutting-edge technology solutions, we managed to boost the efficiency of logistics operations while improving customer experience through greater transparency and traceability,” he remarked.
Incidentally, there are also numerous empty stores in downtown Liège.