DHL to expand operations in Japan via Chubu Airport
Germany’s DHL International Ltd. said Friday it is aiming to expand its business in Japan by capitalizing on the opening of Chubu International Airport, a new international gateway to central Japan, in February 2005.
Under its business plan through the end of 2005, DHL plans to increase its number of international parcel delivery transactions in Japan by utilizing the international cargo and passenger flights of its affiliated or partner airlines to and from the new airport, which is under construction on reclaimed land off Nagoya.
Air Hongkong, an affiliate of DHL, will fly a cargo plane to and from Chubu International Airport. Northwest Airlines and Germany’s Lufthansa, both of which are DHL partner airways, will also cooperate with the German company.
DHL, under the aegis of Deutsche Post AG, also intends to boost its number of distribution centers in Japan, to 46 from 30 at present, according to the plan, which was announced here as part of DHL’s Asian business strategies.
Through these measures, DHL hopes to further expand its presence in Japan, where it already commands a top market share of 33 pct.
DHL aims for 20 pct growth per year for its business in Japan, while the international parcel delivery market in Japan is expected to grow 10 pct annually.
