DHL Air creates new jobs
Jobs have been created by leading air carrier DHL, which has just embarked on a multi-million pound revamp of its international air carrier business at East Midlands Airport.
The company, which employs 1,200 people in the area, has spent £1.3 billion on 34 Boeing 757 aircraft to update and improve its parcel delivery service.
The firm has also set up a new company, called DHL Air, to operate the aircraft in a move which has created about 100 jobs.
The expansion has been heralded as a boost for exporters throughoutLeicestershire and the East Midlands. The new fleet was given Government approval by Transport Minister John Spellar during a visit to the firm’s base at EMA.
Danny Pedrie, general manager for DHL Aviation, said: “The investment in new aircraft and the creation of DHL Air are the next stage in our investment programme at EMA.
“We have created about 100 jobs and have taken on a number of pilots and administrative staff.
“The new aircraft will replace our existing fleet and are larger and 77 per cent quieter and give out 20 per cent less emissions.”
Mr Pedrie added: “The investment marks an improved service for our customers.”
DHL has been operating from EMA since 1983.
Two years ago the company invested £35 million on a new handling centre which is capable of dealing with 45,000 shipments every hour.
Trefor Jones, planning director for DHL’s global aviation network, said the new fleet of 757s reflected DHL’s belief in the strategic importance of the UK and East Midlands Airport to the company’s international operations.
Mr Spellar said: “I am delighted that DHL is continuing to invest in its aviation business to help further growth in the region and increase the air freight capacity for UK exporters.
Leicester Mercury
