UPS has announced the start of direct flights from Shanghai to Europe along with the addition ofthree new flights connecting Shanghai to the USA and another new flight between Qingdao and
Incheon, Korea. The move is part of a broader expansion in the Chinese market, with internationalservices to and from more cities, new express centres and additional logistics locations.The express operator will utilize MD-11 aircraft to fly from Shanghai to Cologne five times aweek. In addition to the new service to Europe, UPS has added three new frequencies on itsShanghai-U.S. route, increasing to nine times per week the number of non-stop flights on that lane.The number of UPS flights into Qingdao, a major port and manufacturing centre, now has increased tosix per week.
“UPS now flies to more points in China than any other U.S. airline, freight or passenger,” saidDavid Abney, president, International Operations. “These new flights are part of our strategy toexpand our service options, stay ahead of customer needs and solidify our position as the leader inthe world’s fastest growing market.”
Last year, UPS became the first carrier in the industry to acquire direct control of itsoperations inside China. That move came at a time when the company’s China export volume surged 50%over 2004. Export volume for all of Asia jumped almost 30% in 2005. Today, UPS provides customersin China with wide access to markets in China, Asia and around the world by operating a network of194 flights per week.
The company also launched a domestic express package service inside China last year. And justlast month, the company expanded its international express service to 22 more business locations inChina, bringing to 330 the number cities served in the country. Those cities account for roughly85% of China’s international trade. UPS China currently operates 75 facilities, deploys more than1,400 vehicles and employs more than 4,000 people. Later this year, UPS plans to enter the retailsector in Shanghai by introducing UPS Express Centers to provide customers with more serviceoptions.
UPS also is stepping up its work as the Official Logistics and Express Delivery sponsor of theBeijing 2008 Olympic Games. In this capacity, UPS provides logistics consultation and assistance toBeijing’s organizing committee. UPS also will provide express delivery services to all venuesspecified by the organizing committee for the duration of the Games. UPS Supply Chain Solutionsopened seven new logistics facilities in China in 2005 and is constructing additional facilitiesthis year.
