DHL has launched a new domestic air network in Mexico in an investmentexpected to total some 230 million pesos (€16.5 million) by 2007. The new operation will enable24-hour express delivery across 98% of the country.
DHL Mexico said that it will offer six daily domestic flights operatedby small cargo aircraft. Dedicated flights will connect 11 cities, including Mexico City, Monterreyand Guadalajara, with improved coverage of more distant northern and southern cities. It was notimmediately clear which company would be operating the flights for DHL.
“The objective of this project as well as the investment is to obtaingreater coverage with our Networks; greater capacity in the daily package handling; and indeed, toimprove transit times,” commented Erika Quezada, Operational Planning Director, DHL Mexico.
“The new DHL air fleet will allow us greater freedom. And unlike otherexpress companies, we will be guaranteeing more destinations in less time,” Quezada declared. “Thisproject means a substantial improvement in the different destinations since we will literally havethe capacity to arrive at 98% of the country in 24 hours.”
DHL Mexico said that the decision to set up an air network was based onits maintained volume growth over the last 15 months. About 40% of the new volumes required airtransportation.
In future, DHL will have capacity to handle more than 4.8 million kg ofpackages a year, which is approximately 2 million kg more than before implementation of the new airnetwork. DHL will fly about 3.1 million kilometres every year which adds up to more than 6,200flight hours.
The routes will be operated by various small cargo aircraft, includingMetro III- Fairchild SA227, with capacity for up to 1,750 kg, and SAAB 340, with capacity for 4,000kg.
