Emirates has launched end-to-end delivery solution Emirates Courier Express with what it said is an average delivery time of less than 48 hours.
The airline has worked with various global customers to pilot the service, focusing on speed, reliability and flexibility.
As part of the pilot, Emirates Courier Express transported several thousands packages from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, South Africa and the UK over the last year.
Badr Abbas, divisional senior vice president, Emirates SkyCargo, said: “Emirates Courier Express is an evolution in how we move goods across the globe, at speed and at scale.
"Building on our world-class and well-established infrastructure, and reimagining traditional logistics processes where necessary, this innovative solution does not just meet the Emirates Gold Standard of reliability and excellence but sets a new benchmark for what’s possible.
"This is only the beginning of our vision to continuously innovate and lead the charge in the express delivery sector.”
Traditionally, cross-border delivery is managed via a global hub-and-spoke model, with a package making multiple stops before arriving at its end destination.
But with Emirates Courier Express, packages will travel from origin to destination directly, utilising Emirates’ global network and flight frequencies.
This reduces time in transit and package handling, explained the airline.
Direct connectivity is matched with different service levels, ranging from next-day urgent delivery to a two-day premium service.
The launch will make Emirates Courier Express active and available in seven markets, but Emirates added that delivery could extend to anywhere in its air network.
Emirates Courier Express has access to over 250 widebody passenger and freighter aircraft to move packages worldwide.
The service is also bolstered by an integrated cross-border network of partners to manage the customs clearance and first and last mile transportation to fulfill the door-to-door service.
Emirates stressed that the service’s integration into the airline’s existing infrastructure allows Emirates Courier Express to handle volume fluctuations from seasonal spikes while maintaining cost stability.
The integration also enables Emirates Courier Express to provide bespoke and tailored solutions, regardless of the type of product being carried.
A team of dedicated specialists provide niche segment solutions, facilitated by the airline’s freight and logistics infrastructure, including cool chain capacity, allowing the transportation of specialist or sensitive products from launch.
Emirates Courier Express is entirely digital. It operates using a purpose-built technology platform that features advanced tracking systems and offers real-time updates, while integrating directly into customer software.
Expansion of the service is also already being planned.
Dennis Lister, senior vice president of product and innovation, Emirates SkyCargo, said: “Emirates Courier Express is the result of challenging the status quo. Along with the industry, we watched the increasing volumes of cross-border shipping and challenged ourselves to find a better way to transport these goods faster and more efficiently.
"The new product launch reflects our ongoing commitment to push the boundaries to introduce innovations which drive real impact and ensure our customers always have access to the fastest, most reliable and cost-effective solutions available.”
