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DHL and Alibaba to explore how AI can improve logistics for SMEs

DHL Group and Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can improve the end-to-end logistics experience for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) trading internationally. The companies intend to evaluate how AI-powered tools can support customers from sourcing and supplier discovery to logistics quotation, booking and shipment execution to make cross-border trade simpler, faster and more accessible. DHL and Alibaba will explore the integration of DHL Global Forwarding's logistics services into Alibaba's agentic AI platform Accio. This is a plug-and-play enterprise AI agent that "equips businesses with an immediate, no-code taskforce" designed to support the diverse operational needs of SMEs worldwide, explained DHL. Through an agentic approach, Accio is expected to be able to connect to DHL Global Forwarding's quotation and booking capabilities, enabling businesses to obtain real-time freight forwarding quotes, evaluate shipping options and book shipments more seamlessly. The new capability is the first in a planned suite of DHL logistics capabilities designed to automate key business tasks, improve operational efficiency and enable SMEs to scale more effectively. Katja Busch, chief commercial officer DHL and head of DHL customer solutions & innovation, said: "SMEs are the backbone of the global economy, but many still face challenges navigating the complex rules, regulations, and trade requirements that come with international expansion. "By bringing together Alibaba.com's digital commerce expertise and DHL's logistics capabilities, we want to explore how technology can help businesses spend less time managing complexity and more time focusing on growth." Kuo Zhang, president of Alibaba.com, commented: "AI is fundamentally changing how businesses participate in global trade, making capabilities that once required significant time, expertise and resources more accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises. "At Alibaba.com, our vision for Accio is to help businesses move from opportunity to execution across the trade journey. By exploring ways to connect Accio with DHL's global logistics capabilities, we hope to lower the barriers to cross-border commerce and help SMEs move faster and with greater confidence as they grow internationally." Tim Robertson, executive vice president accelerated digitalisation, DHL Global Forwarding, added: "Global trade is becoming increasingly digital, and customers expect logistics to be as seamless as the rest of their business activities. "Through this collaboration, we will explore how advanced AI capabilities can support customers with faster access to information, greater transparency and more efficient logistics processes. "We see significant potential in combining intelligent digital platforms with DHL's logistics network and expertise." The agreement was announced during Alibaba.com's CoCreate 2026 Conference in Los Angeles.

WestJet appoints AVIAREPS as cargo GSA in India

WestJet Cargo has appointed AVIAREPS as its general sales agent (GSA) in India, with responsibility for supporting cargo sales, customer engagement and market development across the country. AVIAREPS will focus on developing commercial relationships and supporting WestJet Cargo in strengthening its engagement with freight forwarders, cargo agents and other industry stakeholders across the market. Frederick Overton, global head of cargo, AVIAREPS, said: "We are delighted to support WestJet Cargo as its Cargo GSA in India. Our pan-India presence, local market expertise and established relationships across the aviation and cargo ecosystem position us well to support WestJet Cargo's commercial objectives in the country. "We look forward to working closely with customers and industry partners across India and contributing to the continued development of WestJet Cargo's business in this market." As part of WestJet Cargo's wider GSA structure in India, Airline Services International (ASI) will also coordinate with Rainbow Aviation Private Limited to focus on specific regional cargo markets, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana and Goa. In March 2025, WestJet confirmed its decision to end its freighter operation, which at its height offered capacity on four Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The airline has since been focusing on building its bellyhold cargo volumes. Last month, Etihad Cargo appointed AVIAREPS as its GSA in Uzbekistan following the launch of Etihad Airways' passenger flights between Abu Dhabi, UAE and Tashkent.

Kuwait Airways denies suspension of air cargo operations

Kuwait Airways has denied reports that its air cargo operations have been suspended alongside safety concerns, confirming that airfreight activities and flights are functioning as normal. The airline issued a statement on social media platform X on 11 September, which said reports about its air cargo operations, which are based at Kuwait International Airport, were "inaccurate". "Kuwait Airways categorically confirms that reports alleging the suspension of air cargo operations or raising concerns regarding their safety are inaccurate," said the airline. "Air cargo operations continue in accordance with approved operational procedures, in close coordination with the relevant authorities, and in full compliance with all applicable security and safety standards." The Government of Kuwait's Directorate General of Civil Aviation also said in a statement: "Air cargo and goods transport flights are continuing and will not be stopped." Questions around Kuwait Airways' cargo operations appear to have emerged after it had issued a customer circular announcing a temporary stop on cargo delivered by agents from 9-25 September, with the exception of some specialist cargo and express mail shipments. While Kuwait Airways confirmed its cargo operations had not been suspended, it did not explain why the restrictions had been introduced. According to The Times Kuwait, the measures had been introduced because of a cargo backlog and operational congestion at Kuwait Airways' cargo facility at Kuwait International Airport. Kuwait Airways' current official cargo page currently describes its facility as handling import/export cargo 24/7.