When it comes to e-commerce, speed is the key. And while most e-commerce buyers will not think twice about how their shipment gets to their front door within just a few days from the moment of purchase, Challenge Group has meticulously considered every aspect of the supply chain. It knows that an average 48-hour delivery promise requires a daily uplift from and to main e-commerce gateways, coupled with a range of dedicated ancillary services incorporating fast customs clearance and well-thought-out middle-mile delivery solutions to the respective domestic distribution centers.

One of the world’s main e-commerce gateways is Hong Kong. Over in the center of the golden triangle of Europe, lies Liège Airport, also specialized in e-commerce and home to Challenge Group’s main hub. Daily Challenge Airlines flights link the two, providing a swift and smooth feed into a dense European logistics network, managed by Challenge Group as a single point of contact for its customers.

“With the injection of the B767 freighter into our fleet, we have greater capacity and flexibility to meet the growing e-commerce demand out of Hong Kong,” illustrates Or Zak, CCO of Challenge Group. “We recently increased our frequencies and will soon offer a daily service, deploying a combined B747 and B767 capacity, to best support our regular customers in meeting their new delivery commitments. This means that items can be shipped on their day of purchase or at the latest, the following day. Our customers want a trustworthy, reliable partner. For Challenge Group, operating and upholding a regular flight schedule is just part of our value proposition. We are committed to delivering unparalleled quality and efficiency at every step of the e-commerce supply chain, and that is why we also offer a comprehensive range of ancillary services at our Liège hub.”

Those ancillary services, tailored specifically to meet the diverse needs of Challenge Group’s clients, include:

  • Sorting of Goods: Shipments are meticulously categorized according to their destination or the designated last-mile provider, to ensure efficient and timely deliveries.
  • Customs Clearance: Challenge Group proactively arranges for customs clearance a full 4 hours before the flight's arrival, thus streamlining the process and minimizing delays.
  • Consolidation Services: Challenge Group’s consolidation solutions enable multiple shipments to be combined into one to optimize transportation and reduce costs.
  • Cooled Storage: Temperature-controlled storage facilities safeguard the integrity of high tech goods.
  • Last Mile Solutions: In collaboration with leading industry providers, Challenge Group ensures that goods reach their final destination promptly and securely.
  • B2C Customs Expertise: Challenge Group’s highly experienced B2C customs agents are adept at navigating the intricacies of consumer-focused shipments.

“Over the past year, Challenge Group has embarked on a transformative journey to elevate our ancillary e-commerce services and solutions,” says Or Zak, CCO of Challenge Group. “Recognizing the evolving needs of our clients in the digital age, we have streamlined our offerings to provide a holistic end-to-end service. Now, our customers benefit from a singular point of contact that manages their entire e-commerce flow from airfreight to the final mid/last-mile delivery. This integrated approach not only simplifies the logistics process, but also ensures a consistent and reliable solution. What truly sets Challenge Group apart in the industry is our unwavering commitment to innovation and our ability to anticipate and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of global e-commerce.”

The transformation journey continues as Challenge Group expands and adapts to the dynamic needs of the industry, to deliver unparalleled value to its clients. Strategic plans for the year ahead include further enhancing its e-commerce solutions to be as seamless as possible, expanding its strategic partnerships for a wider distribution network, and collaborating with Customs to further reduce custom clearance times and offer even more tailored solutions for B2B and B2C segments.

“In essence, Challenge Group's vision for the future in Liège is one of growth, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in every facet of our operations,” Or Zak concludes.