A key cog in the logistics wheel

It might still be more than two weeks away, but Eastern Air Logistics Co, the freight unit of China Eastern Airlines, has been busy delivering exhibition products to the upcoming Nov 5 to 10 China International Import Expo in Shanghai, according to Wang Jianmin, vice-president and chief financial officer of the logistics firm.

The transporter says it has already accomplished several tasks related to the inaugural expo, including the delivery of the CIIE's very first exhibit - a 1,110-kilogram biofuel concept vehicle, which costs 30,000 euros ($34,500) and will be displayed in Finland's pavilion during the event. On Sept 24, EAL also managed the transport of an exquisite glassware exhibit, crafted by a Czech artisan.

"More and more exhibits are scheduled to arrive in Shanghai before the CIIE, and EAL will try its best to guarantee the quality and efficiency of its logistics service," said Wang.

"EAL has formed a work group to guarantee the quality of the cargo service for the expo. In addition, EAL has started a cross-border e-commerce industrial association and will serve as a logistics service provider at the one-stop trading services platform of the CIIE," Wang added.

China Eastern Airlines is the host carrier for the six-day event. Like many other domestic companies, it has spent the past few months preparing for the historic expo, where some 2,800 exhibitors from more than 130 countries and regions are due to arrive.

Their efforts include receiving its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on Sept 22, which will transport some of the expo's participants to Shanghai. The jet, which is the first of 15 ordered from Boeing, is equipped with a new-generation passenger service system.

China Eastern service staff have also been honing their service standards to ensure passengers receive best-in-class hospitality.

"We are prepared, and everybody here is proud to be able to showcase the quality service provided by China Eastern and Shanghai," said Chen Zhiyi, deputy general manager with China Eastern's ground service division.

In September, EAL announced the establishment of an air cargo service center at the Waigaoqiao bonded area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone. Li Jiupeng, general manager of Eastern Air Logistics, said this air cargo service center operates on a simplified workflow, which has helped boost efficiency by 30 percent.