TNT Express resumes flights
TNT Express has resumed flights within Europe, in particular from southern Europe to the company’s main air hub in Liege, Belgium. But it remains unclear how much airspace will reopen, and at what pace. The company’s two B747-400ERF aircraft bound for Shanghai (with a stopover in Singapore) and Hong Kong are ready to take off from Liege and Frankfurt, respectively, subject to the civil aviation authorities’ permission. The B767 aircraft loaded with shipments from the US landed today in Liege.
TNT will pursue its plan to resume flights, in the light of the latest reports. Should restrictions hinder air traffic, the company said it will continue to move shipments within Europe by road, so as to limit the impact for customers.
The company said: “Thanks to TNT’s road service and contingency plans put in place on 15 April 2010, there are little to no backlogs in TNT’s facilities in Europe. TNT is doing its utmost to secure commercial uplift from Asia to Europe, until it can again operate its scheduled B747 freighter service between the two continents.
“TNT Express has put contingency plans in place since Thursday 15 April. For shipments using TNT’s Express air services, we operations have set up separate road line-hauls (using trucks and vans) through our air hub in Liege to expedite Express shipments. Time-sensitive materials, such as pharmaceutical goods, received priority treatment. In addition, TNT has been able to transport freight to/from the UK, thanks to a priority agreement with Eurotunnel.”
European air-safety authorities have agreed to relax flight bans caused by the cloud of volcanic ash. EU transport ministers proposed to divide EU airspace into three zones based on ash concentrations in the atmosphere: a no-fly area, a limited-service zone and an open-skies area.
Economy Express shipments within Europe continue to move through TNT’s normal road network routes in 39 countries and are not affected by the current situation.
