Air China Cargo deal expands JD.com’s sprawling cold-chain network

A partnership between Chinese e-commerce retailer JD.com and Air China Cargo that was announced this week extends the reach of JD.com’s cold-chain network to key markets around the world, connecting Chinese consumers with fresh food producers around the world, with airfreight speed and connectivity.

The deal ties Air China Cargo’s global network to JD.com’s cold-chain and last-mile infrastructure, creating one of the biggest networks of its kind in the world.

By merging the carrier’s network with JD’s cold-chain capabilities, “We significantly shorten the time needed to transport fresh produce from anywhere in the world to the doorsteps of consumers in China,” said Zhenhui Wang, CEO of JD Logistics.

JD.com has spent the last decade building out China’s largest in-house cold chain logistics network in China, one that sources from more than 2,000 global partners. That scale of infrastructure allows it to forward-stock near markets, and deliver within hours.

Those interested in learning more about how perishables move through China’s logistics chain are invited to join us at Cargo Facts Asia 2018 in Shanghai 23-25 April at the Mandarin Oriental Pudong, where a round table panel will address the topic. For more information, or to register, visit www.cargofactsasia.com