DHL invests HK$1.1bn in Asia Pacific air network expansion

Adds three 100 tonne payload B747-400 BCFs to the air network on three high capacity routes as it demonstrates commitment and growth potential in Asia Pacific.

DHL, the world’s leading logistics company, on Wednesday announced an investment of €100 million (HK1.1 billion) with three Boeing 747-400 Converted Freighters (BCFs) added to its Asia Air Network. Operated by Air Hong Kong, a joint venture between Cathay Pacific and DHL, the three B747-400 BCFs with a payload of 100 tonnes each will service three high capacity routes six days a week: Tokyo-Hong Kong, Singapore-Hong Kong, Shanghai-Hong Kong.

Currently, two A300-600 General Freighters (GFs) each with a 45 tonne payload, ply direct routes between Tokyo-Hong Kong and Shanghai-Hong Kong. By September 2011, these two A300-600GFs will be redeployed to service five weekly services between Beijing-Hong Kong and Manila-Hong Kong, replacing two 24 tonne B727-200Fs planes which will be retired. 

“The €100 million investment in three B747-400 BCFs – the biggest freighter aircraft in service – increases our capacity, connectivity and service reliability. It is a significant step up for DHL’s Asia Air Network - one we’re confident of because we have a clear, market-driven approach to our business,” said the recently appointed CEO of DHL Express Asia Pacific, Jerry Hsu. “By being close to our customers - understanding what they need, recognizing the opportunities and being prepared to make strategic investments - that’s how we’ll continue to grow our market share and deliver best-in-class services for our industry.”

The investment in the Air Network comes on the back of the company’s recent announcement of next-day intercontinental flight between from Hong Kong to Cincinnati, as a direct response to increasing demands for services from South China and Hong Kong to North America. Through this, customers will enjoy a later pickup time out of Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta, and overnight service to North America. 

The company is also on track to open its USD 175million (€120 million) North Asia Hub in early 2012. Situated at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport, the 57,000 sqm hub will be built on a total land area of 88,000 sqm, equipped with leading-edge automated sorting systems.

In May this year, the company also launched a new global marketing campaign highlighting DHL’s international expertise and capabilities to meet the express shipping needs of all industries.

“We continue to see significant potential in Asia Pacific. We have been operating in the region for over 40 years, having pioneered the international Express industry across many cities. With significant infrastructural assets and our continued investment, we constantly raise the bar to become the provider of choice to our customers,” said Mr. Hsu.