EHL International Logistics has signed a deal with Edmonton International Airport (EIA) to make the airport its North American logistics consolidation centre for goods from China.
The subsidiary of the Henan Provincial Government will operate flights from Zhengzhou to Edmonton and continue to the US.
Trial Boeing 747-400 flights through Edmonton are underway in preparation for an expanded freighter schedule.
The deal will generate new jobs in the Edmonton Metro Region and increase access to global markets for small and medium sized businesses across the region.
EHL president, Ziqiang Ma says: “We chose Edmonton because of the ideal location, logistics infrastructure and strong partnerships with EIA and Maple Horizons. We believe that through this, we can increase trade and cooperation between China and North America.
“EHL is grateful for the partnership with Edmonton International Airport and Maple Horizons, and the support of the municipal governments of Zhengzhou and Edmonton, the provincial governments of Henan and Alberta.”
EIA president and chief executive officer, Tom Ruth says: “We welcome EHL to EIA’s Airport City and the new construction investment, jobs and trade opportunities it brings to the Edmonton Metro Region and Alberta. This significant agreement builds from EIA’s strong track record of driving successful trade and commerce between China and North America, solidifying EIA as a major international trade hub.”
Zhengzhou, the provincial capital of Henan Province is the Chinese government’s pilot zone for cross-border e-commerce.
Over 70 per cent of China’s perishable air cargo moves through the province, and Zhengzhou is located within two hours of one billion people.
Maple Horizons is a Canadian company active in the cross-border e-commerce market in China and has acted as a critical catalyst for the partnership.
Company president William Wang says Edmonton is an ideal location for expanding air cargo between China and North America.
Wang says: “The city is one of the best places to do business in Canada, and is a strong base for e-commerce distribution across North America. We are excited to partner with EIA and EHL to build the China-Canada logistics solutions of tomorrow.”