SINGAPORE, Nov. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/—DHL, the world’s leading cross-border express services provider, today announced the launch of a new intra-Asia flight, connecting the economies ofThailand, Vietnam and Hong Kong, as the latest enhancement to itsAsia air network. The flight commenced on November 3, connectingBangkok, Hanoi and Hong Kong five times per week. Utilizing a newly converted Boeing B737-400SF freighter featuring a gross payload of 21 tons, the route will be operated by K-Mile Air ofThailand, a partner of DHL. An industry first, the new route shortens the transit time for intra-Asia shipments to and fromHanoi to one day, allowing businesses and consumers to enjoy earliest arrival time and latest departure time to and out of the city, respectively. Its introduction also eases congestion faced by DHL’s bustling hub inHong Kong. This new intra-Asia flight is DHL’s response to the increased trade opportunities withinAsia and its commitment to support customers tapping on these opportunities. “Based on a recent report by the International Monetary Fund, Asia is poised to spearhead the global economic recovery. Strong GDP growth has been forecast across the region withVietnam achieving 5.6 percent, followed by Hong Kong (3.7 percent) andThailand (2.5 percent),[1]” said Jerry Hsu, Chief Executive Officer of DHL Express Asia Pacific. “We worked on improving our transit times for this route because we know the demand is there and that our customers will benefit from increased service efficiency in this area. To be the only provider that does this in the region, well, that’s not only another feather in our cap, but it underscores our resolution to maintain our position as the Number One express operator in the region,” he continued. Sean Wall, Executive Vice President, Network Operations and Aviation of DHL Express Asia Pacific, said, “The new route is just one of the many investments by DHL to enhance our offerings and service standards in view of the enormous growth potential inAsia Pacific. We currently operate approximately 20 dedicated aircrafts and four main air hubs in the region. On average, we have around 760 daily domestic and international flights serving over 40 local countries and territories.” DHL has been expanding its footprint in Asia as part of the company’s global vision for the logistics industry with emerging markets likeVietnam on its radar. In September, the company announced its biggest investment in the market to date – the launch of aUS$10 million 2,500 square meter service center in Ho Chi Minh City, and the biggest of its kind in the country. Building upon its stronghold in the region, DHL will make additional enhancement to itsAsia air network, starting November 7. On that date, the company will increase the frequency of its intra-Asia service connecting Penang,Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong from five to six days per week, thereby increasing capacity on the route by 20 percent. This additional A300-600F service is part of DHL’s intra-Asia dedicated network which enables customers fromPenang and Ho Chi Minh City to have requested Saturday delivery services to and fromTokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, and Bangkok. – End – Media Contact: DHL Asia Pacific & EEMEA                                                  Corporate Communications and ResponsibilityBelinda Tan                                                               Tel: +65 6771 3332                                                   Fax: +65 6771 3322                                                   Email: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> http://www.dhl.com/en/press.html <http://www.dhl.com/en/press.html> DHL – The logistics company for the world DHL is the global market leader in the logistics and transportation industry and “The logistics company for the world”. DHL commits its expertise in international express, national and international parcel delivery, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation as well as contract and e-commerce related solutions along the entire supply chain. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and around 315,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their shipping and supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting environmental protection, disaster management and education. [1] International Monetary Fund, April 2014: “World Economic Outlook” Logo - http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2010/09/02/20100902467742-l.jpg <http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2010/09/02/20100902467742-l.jpg> SOURCE DHL