The week that was: 23 April 2010
Bloomin’ volcano, Appel eyes recovery, and optimism at MEDS 2010… Well, what a week for the mail and express industry, so let’s delve straight in to Post&Parcel’s weekly news round-up.
There is no doubt that our sector was one of the most affected by the ash cloud that left flights grounded for five days this week. Normality resumed on Wednesday/Thursday, after domestic and international mail, and the parcels industry suffered from serious delays. Contingency plans were put in place across the globe, with many companies relying on the existing road networks to deliver items that would usually be sent by air. The total cost of the crisis has yet to be calculated, as many businesses continue in efforts to clear the backlog.
On a more positive note, Deutsche Post DHL boss Frank Appel said he had noticed the clear signs of economic recovery, as the world finally begins to pull clear from a period of financial woe. Appel made the admission during a speech to the US Chamber of Commerce. “The worst seems to be over, and there are clear signs of an economic comeback on the horizon,” he said. He also issued a statement of intent for DHL’s US ambitions: “Let me repeat it loud and clear: DHL is and will remain a strong player in the US market.” According to the CEO, DHL is prepared for growth in all four business units in the US – Express, DHL Global Forwarding, DHL Global Mail, and its Exel division.
Appel’s opinion on economic recovery was shared at the Mail & Express Delivery Show, which took place in London on Wednesday. Optimism was the buzzword, as a variety of industry leaders delivered presentations on the future of mail and express post-recesssion. Commenting on the day, Triangle Management Services chief executive Neil Jackson said: “I was delighted to see so many of our speakers deliver their presentations with optimism. The green shoots of economic recovery are present across the industry and this was reflected throughout the day.”
