DHL has launched two new direct flights in Asia from its hub in Hong Kong to Chengdu, China, andto Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, enhancing its air network in the region to provide better connections
to emerging markets.The new route from Hong Kong to Chengdu is expected to ensure evening pick-up and next-daydelivery for shipments to Chengdu and other economic centres in Southwestern China such asChongqing, Kunming and Guiyang. The new connection will also benefit high value and formal exportshipments that require customs clearance, DHL explained. This route is operated in cooperation withYangtze River Express Ltd., a Chinese all-cargo airline, via a B737-300F freighter five times aweek.
The other direct flight launched earlier this year connects Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City. Itis operated by DHL’s joint venture partner airline, Air Hong Kong, with five Boeing 727F flightsper week. It replaces the existing flight with a transit in Bangkok and improves inbound andoutbound service by shortening the transit time from Vietnam to the USA and Europe, and vice versa,by two hours. As a result, customers will now have extra time to package their goods before sendingthem abroad at latest courier pick-up at 22:00 for next day delivery, DHL sad.
Jerry Hsu, CEO, DHL Express Asia Pacific, said: “This latest addition of the two direct flightsunderlines our continued confidence in the Asia Pacific region. We use over 690 commercial flightsdaily as well as over 20 dedicated aircraft to provide unrivalled network coverage. Thisenhancement to our Asia air network not only increases our capacity and connectivity, but alsoproves our dedication to connecting emerging markets’ businesses across the region to keep pacewith Asia’s strong rapid growth.”
“The launch of these new routes is a direct response to the rising demands for express servicesfrom China and Vietnam to Hong Kong as well as other parts of the world, and vice versa,” Ken Lee,Managing Director, DHL Express Hong Kong, said. “As the only international express companyoperating a standalone express cargo facility with DHL Central Asia Hub (CAH) in Hong KongInternational Airport, DHL always sees Hong Kong as a major channel to connect Asian cities withinthe region, and across the world.”
