TNT launches flights to Tel Aviv to boost EU-Israel shipments

International carrier TNT has launched a new regular air link between its hub in Liege, Belgium, and Tel Aviv, Israel. The company said flights would run five times a week, starting this month, using a Boeing 737-400.

It said the new service responds to growing demand, and will mean fixed departure times, guaranteed uplift, later pick-up times in Israel and a “smooth connection” to TNT’s international road and air networks via Liege.

The company promised shorter transit times for express shipments to and from Tel Aviv, by one day.

The flight from Liege will arrive in Tel Aviv in the morning, allowing deliveries on the same day, before departing in the evening, allowing for close of business pick up and same day export. Operations will take place Monday to Friday.

Martin Sodergard, managing director network operations at TNT, said: “With this flight operated by TNT, our customers will benefit from improved delivery reliability, as well as later cut-off times for pick ups thanks to improved departure times. It also gives us additional capacity to further grow our business in and out of Israel.”

Netherlands-based TNT said the EU was the top trading partner for Israel, with total trade amounting to approximately €29bn in 2013. Typical TNT shipments to and from the country include machinery, electronic products, medical equipment and textiles, it said.

TNT said the new flights to Tel Aviv came as it works to combine its “extensive” European road network with a stronger international air network under its turnaround strategy, Outlook.

In recent months, TNT has upgraded its road express services to Turkey and the Balkan countries, and added Hannover and Venice to the European air network, it said.