China’s largest retailer JD.com has partnered up with Tianjin Air Cargo to transport goods on the air cargo carrier’s Boeing 737Fs.
Initially, a six-weekly service will operate between Tianjin and Guangzhou and the 737 will be branded with the JD Logistics logo.
The retailer joins Amazon.com in using its own dedicated freighters, as the e-commerce giant utilises ATSG and Atlas Air for services in the US.
JD.com says the dedicated capacity will fulfil same-day and next-day orders nationwide, and will be used for JD’s fast-expanding logistics business, which includes business-to-business and parcel delivery throughout China.
The retailer says using freighters is more reliable than belly capacity via passenger aircraft as flight times of freighters can be adjusted to suit industry demand so it better suits operational needs.
JD Logistics head of the express business unit, Hui Wang said: “We are sure that the resulting expedited delivery speeds will be welcomed by individual consumers as well as the businesses we work with as part of our Retail as a Service strategy.”
JD.com and Tianjin Air Cargo are going to work closely with each other and look to expand the service and further routes are planned between Northern and Southern China.
Tianjin Air Cargo chairman and president, Yi Zhang said: “The combination of Tianjin Cargo’s breadth of experience in freight and JD’s expertise in supply chain makes this partnership a force to be reckoned with.
He added: “As China’s largest retailer, online or offline, JD’s resources across the e-commerce and logistics industry will be of great assistance to our company’s development going forward.”
