Couriers' business soars with e-commerce's rise

Domestic express delivery services are getting a business boost from the explosive growth of e-commerce and using that revenue stream to expand their cargo fleets - but they're also looking over their shoulders as international logistics giants move further into the Chinese market.

Shenzhen-based SF Express (Group) Co, Shanghai-based YTO Express Co Ltd and State-owned China Postal Airlines are buying and leasing more aircraft, renting warehouse space at airports and expanding their delivery options to meet growing competition from global delivery services.

Li Sheng, president of SF Airlines, the air service branch of leading package service SF Express, said the group has found that increasingly affluent Chinese consumers want better services. For that reason, the company is buying and chartering more cargo freighters.