DHL Express has launched a direct flight from Hong Kong to Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largestcity, as the first express company to facilitate the increasing number of import cargo shipments
from Hong Kong to East Java.The direct flight from Hong Kong International Airport to Djuanda Airport in Surabayaprovides customers with a faster transit time of up to 24 hours compared to the previous non-directflight by eliminating the need for clearance in Jakarta and domestic transportation from Jakarta toSurabaya, DHL Express Asia Pacific announced.
The flight operates four days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday) and will notonly carry freight from Hong Kong, but also North Asia and US origins. The aircraft type was notdisclosed.
“Through a shorter transit time offered by the direct flight, DHL can better support theSurabaya-based companies to enhance their import activities,” said David Ng, Senior TechnicalAdvisor, DHL Express/PT Birotika Semesta. “With this new flight, we expect to significantly enhanceconnectivity, service reliability and on-time performance for our customers in East Java, HongKong, North Asia and US.”
Hong Kong – Surabaya is an important trade lane for DHL because China is the largest supplierof non-oil and gas products to East Java, Ng pointed out. Shipment volumes on DHL’s Hong Kong –Surabaya routes have been increasing with 18% growth between July and November 2009. Majorshipments came from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. According to the latest data of theCentral Statistic Bureau of East Java, imports in October this year increased by 7.84% in theregion compared to September, amounting to $970.15 million.
“As a trade facilitator, DHL Express can also support Indonesian importers and exporters witha range of tailored logistics solutions such as the DHL Import Express Worldwide, DHL’s simple andconvenient door-to-door express delivery solution through a single point of contact and one invoicein a single currency. Therefore, the Hong Kong – Surabaya direct flight with a shorter transit timewill help customers improve competitiveness and increase efficiency,” the company added.
Surabaya is not only a gateway to the resource-rich provinces of eastern Indonesia but also amajor manufacturing hub in its own right and an active importer of bicycle parts, computer parts,electronic materials, garment, leather, papers, spare-parts, textiles, and other industrialsupplies, DHL explained.
“Even during these challenging economic times, DHL Express in Indonesia continues to supportIndonesian importers and exporters through various solutions. We are committed to providingbest-in-class express and logistic solutions, as well as in-depth trade, customs and exciseknowledge of the major world markets,” Ng added.
“DHL Express believes there is a significant growth potential in East Java and the directflight service reflects DHL’s commitment to working with and supporting the business community torealise the region’s full business potential,” he concluded.
