DHL launches direct flights from Hong Kong to China and Vietnam
DHL has launched two new direct flights from its hub in Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and to Chengdu, China. The company said the new routes would mean evening pick-up and next-day delivery for shipments from Hong Kong to Chengdu and other economic centres in southwestern China will be possible, including to Chongqing, Kunming and Guiyang.
The new route into mainland China is being provided in a cooperation arrangement with Chinese cargo airline Yangtze River Express Ltd, using a B737-300F aircraft, flying five times each week.
The route into Vietnam runs five times each week, operated by DHL’s joint venture partner airline, Air Hong Kong. With a Boeing 727F offering a 22-ton payload, the new flight replaces the existing route that ran via Bangkok, shortening by two hours the transit time from Vietnam to the US and Europe, and vice versa.
The Vietnam route means later pickup is available, with next-day delivery possible on items picked up before 10pm.
Jerry Hsu, the DHL Express Asia Pacific CEO, said: “This latest addition of the two direct flights underlines our continued confidence in the Asia Pacific region.
“This enhancement to our Asia air network not only increases our capacity and connectivity, but also proves our dedication to connecting emerging markets’ businesses across the region to keep pace with Asia’s strong rapid growth,” added Hsu.
DHL now uses more than 690 commercial flights daily, as well as more than 20 dedicated aircraft in the Asia Pacific region.
