DHL’s Indian subsidiary Blue Dart Express yesterday announced strong growth in profits and revenuesfor the first half of 2008. The Indian market leader is also hiking prices, according to media
reports.For the first half year ended 30 June, the company’s revenues rose by 31.19% to EUR 73.43million (INR 4.84 billion). Profit before tax grew 33.6% to €11.7 million (INR 771 million). Profitafter tax increased by 34.6% to €7.8 million (INR 514 million).
For the second quarter 2008, Blue Dart registered encouraging revenue growth of 23.34% to€37.09 million (INR 2.44 billion). Profit before tax increased 11.78% to €4.8 million (INR 314million) while profit after tax grew 19.94% to € 3.14 million (INR 207 million) for the time periodApril-June 2008.
Anil Khanna, managing director at Blue Dart Express, said: “Blue Dart in its 25th year ofoperations stands committed to its role of a trade facilitator. It has been our constant endeavourto provide the best of quality services to our customers, since our inception. Our results are aconfirmation of our customers’ trust in us and of our commitment to serve their business.”
With the reinforcement of its ground express product ‘Dart Surfaceline’ last year, Blue Darthas now expanded its reach to over 20,955 locations across the country. As a pioneer in India’s airexpress segment, Blue Dart currently operates six air freighters across 62 air routes with apayload capacity of 300 tonnes per night.
“The strategy going ahead is to be a one-stop shop for all the distribution requirements ourcustomers might have. We stand committed to bring people and markets together and participate inthe country’s growth story”, Khanna added.
Meanwhile, Indian media reported that Blue Dart is hiking its air express prices by 10% andits ground transport prices by 15% from today in response to rising fuel costs. India raised theofficial petrol and diesel price by 10% in June.
