DHL Increases Capacity For Hong Kong-Beijing Service To Meet Growing Trade Volume

DHL, the world's leading express and logistics company, has further enhanced its overnight service between Hong Kong and Beijing, by increasing its dedicated flight frequency to meet the growing demand for cargo capacity fuelled by the robust trade between Hong Kong and Mainland China.

Customers utilizing this ten-time weekly dedicated service will now enjoy more options for their Hong Kong-Beijing shipment delivery schedule with the newly-added weekend flights, representing a 25 percent uplift capacity. As part of the service enhancement, DHL will utilize a larger Boeing B727-200F aircraft operated by Air Hong Kong – a 60/40 joint venture between Cathay Pacific and DHL – and customers will benefit from an overall 58 percent increase in payload capacity as the new freighter has a capacity to hold 24 tons per sector.

Dan McHugh, Acting CEO, DHL Express - Asia Pacific, said, "We foresee sustained cargo volume growth, as Hong Kong and Mainland China become more intricately linked as an integrated supply chain due to deepening economic integration. The decision to add capacity to the route reflects DHL's commitment to enhance our service offerings so that our customers will continue to enjoy efficient and reliable first-rate express and logistics services."

Trade between Hong Kong and Mainland China has been registering double-digit growth in recent years, boosted by strong Chinese exports. According to figures from China's Ministry of Commerce, two-way trade figures in 2006 rose an impressive 21.6 percent, reaching US$166.2B. The uptrend continues in the first half of 2007, as trade volume expanded by a further 23.5 percent compared to a year ago. Hong Kong was China's fourth largest trading partner and third largest export market last year.

Tom Murphy, Senior Vice President, Aviation, DHL Express - Asia Pacific, said, "These additional flights will offer our customers the option of dispatching urgent or time-sensitive shipments over the weekend, allowing them to enjoy greater flexibility and convenience in meeting their business needs."

The upgraded Hong Kong-Beijing service will further strengthen DHL's Asia Air Network. The network currently comprises more than 30 destinations in 16 countries and territories, served by over 20 aircraft in dedicated air operations. This allows major Asia Pacific cities and other business centers to be interconnected through DHL's regional hubs and gateways, providing DHL's customers with overnight services across the region.

About DHL
At DHL, Customer Service is back in shipping. Our mission is to provide the most flexible, personable and enjoyable experience in the shipping industry for our customers.

DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specializing in providing innovative and customized solutions from a single source. DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport, and contract logistic solutions as well as international mail services, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets. DHL's international network links more than 225 countries and territories worldwide with over 300,000 employees dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers' expectations.

Founded in San Francisco in 1969, DHL is a Deutsche Post World Net brand. For more information on DHL, please visit www.dhl.com

SOURCE: DHL