The airfreight landscape is undergoing a major transformation as trade corridors between China, Africa, and Mexico are being fortified through new strategic collaborations. Recent memorandums of understanding (MOUs) signed by Shanghai Pudong Int’l Airport Cargo Terminal Co. Ltd. (PACTL) with Ethiopian Airlines and Lufthansa Cargo Servicios Logísticos De México, S.A. DE C.V. (LCSLM) mark a significant push to create faster, more resilient, and integrated cargo networks between these high-growth regions.
The partnerships aim to unlock the potential of two dynamic trade lanes—China–Africa and China–Mexico—by enhancing connectivity, operational efficiency, and infrastructure synchronisation. By teaming up with cargo terminals at both ends of these routes, PACTL positions itself not merely as a handler but as a strategic connector in the global supply chain.
“Our goal is to build smarter, faster, and more agile corridors that support high-growth sectors like cross-border e-commerce and specialised cargo,” said Carsten Hernig, Deputy General Manager and Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Production at PACTL.
Expanding horizontally and vertically
These partnerships are more than geographic expansions—they represent a vertical leap in capability. The MOUs enable deeper terminal-to-terminal collaboration, opening new doors for value-added logistics services while enhancing cargo movement across borders.
As Hernig puts it, “We’re evolving from being a cargo handling station into a global connectivity hub.” The move fits within PACTL’s long-term vision to expand its international presence and offer seamless logistics solutions beyond traditional roles.
Strengthening competitive advantage
PACTL’s edge lies in its operational scale, neutrality, and infrastructure excellence. With an annual handling capacity of approximately 2 million tonnes, the terminal combines technical sophistication with trusted airline relationships to provide reliable, scalable services. Pairing these strengths with partners such as Ethiopian Airlines and LCSLM will “unlock additional potential and improve efficiency” across corridors, Hernig noted.
Infrastructure upgrades and terminal integration
Rather than building new facilities, PACTL is upgrading existing terminals, especially PACTL West. Enhancements include joint training programmes, security upgrades, and expertise exchanges.
“These aren’t isolated developments,” Hernig said. “We’re setting up synchronised terminal ecosystems across continents that will ultimately benefit the customer with more streamlined services.”
Driving digital transformation
Technology plays a central role. PACTL has introduced innovations like Easy Cargo, enabling real-time tracking and pre-alert messaging, aiming for end-to-end visibility with zero blind spots. Discussions with partners are ongoing to explore collaborative digital infrastructure solutions, laying the groundwork for smarter, data-driven corridors.
Empowering e-commerce and specialised cargo
e-commerce is a major focus. The partnership with LCSLM creates direct, highly coordinated links between Chinese e-commerce shippers and downstream terminals, optimising customs procedures, data transmission, and warehouse operations. PACTL operates a dedicated e-commerce centre at PACTL West, with plans to link it more closely with partner terminals for faster processing and smarter sorting.
Specialised handling for high-value and sensitive cargo, such as perishables and pharmaceuticals, is also in development. These include priority services, temperature-controlled storage, and streamlined documentation to ensure quality, compliance, and timely delivery.
Regulatory alignment and marketing outreach
Harmonised customs procedures, coordinated flight slots, and streamlined documentation are central to seamless, scalable operations. Initiatives like “single waybill to the end” and “inter-airline international waybill transit” enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
Joint campaigns will include co-branded digital promotions, media outreach, and a presence at global logistics forums. A digital brochure outlining the China–Mexico corridor benefits is in development. SMEs, forwarders, and national importers/exporters are a primary target. “These corridors are built for them,” Hernig emphasised. “Our aim is to bring them into global trade flows and help them grow.”
