Atran Airlines has added a new route to its network between Hangzhou, China and Riga, Latvia for Cainiao Network e-commerce shipments.
The flights from Hangzhou, the emerging technology hub and home of China’s e-commerce will operate on Thursdays using a Boeing 737-800BCF, providing up to 23 tonnes of cargo capacity for Alibaba Group’s logistics arms.
The service is another step of the cooperation between Volga-Dnepr Group and Cainiao Network following the signing of a memorandum of understanding at the end of 2018.
Dmitry Obsharov, general director of Atran Airlines says: “We have been focusing on satisfying growing demand of cross-border shipments, analysing best-case scenarios for the consumers and launch of the lane Hangzhou-Riga is a result of our joint cooperation.
“Atran Airlines will offer cargo connection between Hangzhou, a major city in the Yangtze River Delta region, and Riga, which opens up distribution possibilities to both Russian and EU markets.”
James Zhao, general manager of Cainiao Global says: “Cainiao is striving to enhance cross-border logistics service for merchants, brands and consumers. We are pleased to partner with Atran Airlines to leverage its freight capabilities to provide efficient cross-border delivery.”
Ilona Līce, chairperson of the board of Riga Airport says it is the first Baltic airport to have a regular e-commerce service to China.
Līce says: “It provides invaluable opportunities for both businesses and the economic cooperation between the Baltic region and China in general, especially considering that Atran will also provide a connection to Russia, thus providing new opportunities for Baltic exporters.”
