The Alibaba owned Cainiao Smart Logistics Network has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the air freight division of Emirates Airlines, Emirates Sky Cargo, to do cross border parcel deliveries.

Under the terms of the MoU, Emirates Sky Cargo and Cainiao are to manage e-commerce deliveries out of a hub in Dubai across the Middle East and neighbouring regions.

Recently the CEO of Alibaba indicated plans for Cainiao to aggressively expand its global reach. This seems to be a first step in that direction. Recently, Cainiao announced plans to develop six global hubs in six cities, including Dubai, across the globe.

Emirates Cargo divisional senior vice president Nabil Sultan said: “The MoU that we have signed today is the first step in what will be a deep and fruitful relationship between Emirates SkyCargo and one of the biggest players in the global e-commerce supply chain.”

Cainiao Global Business general manager Xiaodong Guan said: “As a key gateway that links Asia and Europe, Dubai is well positioned to help us achieve our goal of 72-hour global delivery. The MoU with Emirates SkyCargo is another milestone to reach this goal.”

Currently, Emirates Sky Cargo delivers air freight to more than 155 global destinations using its fleet of 267 aircraft.