Blue Dart Express, the Indian air express market leader, more than doubled profits in the secondquarter and first half of 2010 as the market returned to growth. It has also introduced a new
Express Pallet domestic service.The DHL Express-owned company increased revenues by 34% to Rs 2,772 million (€45.8 million) forthe quarter ended June 30, 2010. Operating profits rose 113% to Rs 368.4 million (€6.1 million),and the company posted Rs 256 million profit after tax (€4.2 million) for the quarter, an increaseof 125%.
In the first half of 2010, Blue Dart revenues rose by 28.5% to Rs 5,348 million (€88.3 million).Its operating profit rose 107% to Rs 731 million (€12.1 million) and the net profit was up 113% atRs 494 million (€8.2 million) 12 months earlier.
During the second quarter, Blue Dart introduced a new Express Pallet service for air and groundtransportation within India. This innovative packaging solution is targeted at heavier shipmentsweighing between 30 to 100kgs. The design and structure allows the same box to be adjusted intothree different sizes with capacities of 50 kgs, 75 kgs and 100 kgs.
Express Pallet is fitted with specially designed in-built wood-free pallet base for smooth andsafe transportation via a forklift. The sturdy packaging ensures additional safety of the shipment.The Express Pallet is a suitable packaging option for transporting material in most businesses suchas Banking & Finance, Automotive, Pharmaceuticals, Ready-made garments and Hi-tech, accordingto the company.
The Express Pallet is also very attractively priced, Blue Dart said. For example, a 50 kgshipment from Mumbai to Delhi would cost Rs 4,340 via Air and Rs 1,700 via Road, a 75 kg shipmentwould cost Rs 6,060 via Air and Rs 2,100 via Road, while a 100 kg shipment would cost Rs 7,780 viaAir and Rs 2,500 via Road (all exclusive of applicable fuel surcharge and service tax).
Ketan Kulkarni, head of marketing, explained: “Subsequent to receiving a great response lastyear for Express Pallet from our International customers, we have launched the product for thedomestic market as well. Express Pallet (Domestic) has been developed keeping in mind the variousneeds of shippers, requiring to send heavy packages across the country. Its unique packagingrelieves shippers of their packaging pains and takes care of safety of the shipments. The real-timetracking facility ensures shipment visibility from pickup till delivery at the destination. It thusenables domestic customers with a safe, secure and affordable packaging option to send heavyweightshipments – door-to-door.”
Anil Khanna, Managing Director, Blue Dart Express Limited, said: “Blue Dart has, sinceinception, done things differently to embed an infallible trust in the brand and deliver on itspromise. Our aim has been to continuously deliver the highest levels of service excellence and tothis end our Quality initiatives – First Choice & Net Promoter Approach (NPA) have played aconsistent and pivotal role.
“Added to this, in our mission to provide complete end-to-end solutions with enhanced focus onspecific verticals, we have launched innovative and customised products to meet the explicit andimplicit customer needs and expectations. All our initiatives like Key Account Management, newproduct developments etc are designed at strengthening and enhancing Blue Dart’s premier positionas the leading air and ground express distribution service provider in India. Blue Dart remainscommitted to complement and enhance the business prospects of the country, especially in Tier 2& Tier 3 cities, where Blue Dart sees great potential and opportunities unfolding.”
