DHL expands network with UAE link
DHL has expanded its air network with an Aerologic route linking the UAE to Asia and Europe. Aerologic, the joint venture cargo airline of DHL Express and Lufthansa Cargo, will operate a B777F flight between Leipzig and Hong Kong with a connection in Sharjah, the third largest emirate of the UAE.
“This Aerologic flight route via the UAE will boost our air network capacity on an increasingly important tradelane. Asia and Europe have strong trade relations with the Middle East and China will play an increasingly important role in trade with the UAE. In 2009, China emerged as the top trading partner of the UAE with 12.9% of total imports into the Emirates originating from China. With enhanced linkages via the Middle East, we will also deliver greater time savings and better connections to our customers,” said John Pearson, CEO, DHL Express Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Four days a week – on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays – the Aerologic flight operates from Leipzig – Hong Kong – Sharjah – Leipzig. Once a week, on Sundays, the flight operates from Leipzig – Sharjah – Hong Kong – Sharjah – Leipzig. Every Friday, the flight operates from Frankfurt – Sharjah – Hong Kong – Frankfurt.
“With its strategic location, the UAE is an excellent location as a logistics distribution centre in the global supply chain. The Aerologic flight connection enables DHL’s customers to enjoy improved transit times with the one day service from Asia to UAE and two days to the EU,” said Ian Carey, vice president, DHL Aviation, Express Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa.
“Bilateral trade between the UAE and China has seen impressive growth in recent years. This additional service is a positive commitment towards the anticipated growth we see in this trade lane”, reaffirmed Garry Kemp, managing director, DHL Express Middle East, North Africa and Turkey.
In addition to China, Germany and Italy are key trading partners with the UAE, representing 6.4% and 4.2% of total import trade respectively. The movement of imports sees goods and services exported to the UAE as a consolidation and distribution point, before re-exporting to other countries in the Middle East, Africa and in the case of goods from Asia, to Europe as well.
Aerologic took delivery of two additional B777F aircrafts in December 2009. With a fleet of four, it is currently the largest operation of B777F worldwide. The B777F is the most efficient and environmentally friendly long range wide-body freighter aircraft available. Aerologic expects delivery of four additional B777F aircraft in 2010 (planned for June, July, September and November). With these air craft, the airline can expand its route system to include further destinations.
