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DHL enhances Asia air network

DHL, the world’s leading cross-border express services provider, on Tuesday announced the launch of two new direct flights from its hub in Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and from Hong Kong to Chengdu, China, as the latest enhancements to its Asia air network.

As the first international express company to place dedicated focus on Southwestern China, DHL’s new Hong Kong to Chengdu route will ensure evening pick-up and next-day delivery for shipments to Chengdu and other economic centers in Southwestern China, such as Chongqing, Kunming and Guiyang. This route is operated in cooperation with Yangtze River Express Ltd., a Chinese all-cargo airline, via a B737-300F freighter plying five times per week. This will strengthen the connection between these cities and the 220 countries and territories covered through the DHL global network. High value and formal export shipments, dependent upon customs clearance, will also benefit from a previously unavailable same-day uplift service.

An additional direct flight was launched earlier this year, which connects Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The introduction of five Boeing 727F flights per week, each with a payload of 22 tons, is operated by DHL’s joint venture partner airline, Air Hong Kong. The new direct flight, which replaces the existing flight transiting in Bangkok, improves inbound and outbound service by shortening the transit time from Vietnam to the US and Europe, and vice versa, by two hours. As a result, customers will now have extra time to package their goods before sending them abroad at latest courier pick-up at 22:00 for next day delivery.

"This latest addition of the two direct flights underlines our continued confidence in the Asia Pacific region. We utilize over 690 commercial flights daily as well as over 20 dedicated aircraft to provide unrivalled network coverage," said Jerry Hsu, CEO, DHL Express Asia Pacific. "This enhancement to our Asia air network not only increases our capacity and connectivity, but also proves our dedication to connecting emerging markets’ businesses across the region to keep pace with Asia’s strong rapid growth."

"The launch of these new routes is a direct response to the rising demands for express services from China and Vietnam to Hong Kong as well as other parts of the world, and vice versa," said Ken Lee, managing director, DHL Express Hong Kong. "As the only international express company to operate a standalone express cargo facility, DHL Central Asia Hub (CAH), in Hong Kong International Airport, DHL always sees Hong Kong as a major channel to connect Asian cities within the region, and across the world."