Cainiao Smart Logistics Network, (Cainiao), the logistics arm of Alibaba Group Holding Limited, recently announced a partnership to launch a charter program with Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (Atlas Air) to enhance Alibaba’s extensive logistics network as cross-border trade between China and Latin America continues to expand.

Cainiao’s parcel volume to South America reached over eight million packages in the third quarter of 2020, double the number transported during the second quarter of this year. Beginning in November, Atlas Air will operate three weekly charter flights dedicated to Cainiao, linking China with Brazil and Chile, reducing the overall shipping time from a week to three days on average.

“At Cainiao, we continue to invest in our network to support Alibaba merchants operating over 100,000 online shops,” said William Xiong, Cainiao’s Chief Strategist and General Manager of Export Logistics. “Our partnership with Atlas Air will help us establish an efficient, reliable network to South America and other worldwide destinations by significantly reducing airfreight delivery time for the merchants we support.”

“We are excited to support Cainiao and Alibaba’s fast-growing e-commerce business and its global expansion in South America, and we look forward to developing our partnership further,” said President and Chief Executive Officer John Dietrich, Atlas Air Worldwide. “The global scale of our operating networks will enable Cainiao to continue to enhance its logistics capabilities and meet its objectives to offer customers faster deliveries globally.”

As previously announced by Cainiao, the company is committed to facilitating international trade by improving overall supply chain efficiency and launching direct routes to major regions across the globe. Cainiao is expected to operate about 1,300 chartered flights by the end of 2020.