Qatar Airways Cargo and Cainiao expand strategic partnership to power global e-commerce

Qatar Airways Cargo and Cainiao expand strategic partnership to power global e-commerce

  • Expanded strategic partnership: Qatar Airways Cargo and Cainiao enhance their long-term collaboration to accelerate cross-border e-commerce delivery between China and Europe.
  • Increased capacity and connectivity: Cainiao will more than double weekly charter flights on key China–Europe routes, leveraging Qatar Airways Cargo’s global network and operational capabilities.
  • Driving e-commerce innovation: The alliance supports faster, flexible, and reliable international logistics, advancing goals like global delivery within 72 hours and strengthening Sino-European trade flows.

Qatar Airways Cargo and Cainiao have officially launched an expanded strategic partnership to accelerate cross-border e-commerce delivery. This long-term collaboration significantly strengthens the existing partnership, enhancing global connectivity and addressing the growing demand for fast, reliable international logistics.

The agreement was formalised by Mr. Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo and Mr. Wan Lin, Chief Executive Officer at Cainiao, during an official ceremony at the Cainiao Global Smart Logistics Summit in Hangzhou on 10 September. Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, Chief Executive Officer at Invest Qatar was also present.

Through this strategic alliance, Cainiao will more than double its weekly charter flights on key China–Europe routes, leveraging Qatar Airways Cargo’s world-class operational capabilities and extensive global network. This will create a broader flight schedule, giving merchants greater flexibility and choice in planning and delivering exports to Europe, while providing stronger support for Chinese businesses expanding internationally.

Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, said: “China is one of the most important trade partners globally, playing a pivotal role in the evolution of e-commerce and continuing to drive the highest demand for air cargo capacity worldwide. By combining the strengths of Qatar Airways Cargo – our expansive global network and cutting-edge fleet – with Cainiao’s leadership in e-commerce logistics, we are uniquely positioned to deliver unmatched connectivity and service to customers. This partnership enables us to meet the fast-changing needs of the global e-commerce market and reinforces our presence in one of the world’s busiest and most strategic trade corridors.”

Wan Lin, Chief Executive Officer at Cainiao, said: “Partnering with Qatar Airways Cargo — a globally renowned industry airline leader known for its operational excellence and unmatched global reach — further strengthens our global logistics network and underscores our commitment to delivering world-class e-commerce experiences.”

“Back in 2023, we set new industry benchmarks with the launch of our Global 5-Day Delivery service. This partnership is another step in our ongoing efforts to enhance our product competitiveness and deliver the resilience, speed, and flexibility that today’s fast-changing commerce landscape demands. Together with our partners, we are steadily advancing toward our vision of global delivery within 72 hours,” he added.

The long-term collaboration reflects the deep mutual trust and shared vision between Cainiao and Qatar Airways Cargo for the future of global e-commerce. By expanding capacity and enhancing trade flows between China, Europe, and other regions, the partnership will generate substantial economic value while further boosting the efficiency of Sino-European trade. As global e-commerce continues to evolve, this strategic alliance will keep driving innovation and setting new benchmarks in cross-border logistics.

Picture of Edward Hardy

Edward Hardy

Having become a journalist after university, Edward Hardy has been a reporter and editor at some of the world's leading publications and news sites. In 2022, he became Air Cargo Week's Editor. Got news to share? Contact me on Edward.Hardy@AirCargoWeek.com

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