DHL increases air network capacity for Manila – Hong Kong service to meet growing trade volume - 43.8 percent growth in exports from Philippines to China in last few years

DHL, the world’s leading express and logistics company, has further strengthened its Asia Air Network by increasing the uplift capacity for its dedicated Manila and Hong Kong air service to meet growing cargo demand.

“The enhanced service is to meet continued anticipated strong trade growth between the Philippines and Hong Kong,” said Tom Murphy, Senior Vice President, Aviation, DHL Express - Asia Pacific. “This is part of our commitment to ensure that the provision of express air cargo capacity supports the dynamism of our customers’ business in this region.”

The enhanced dedicated service, operated by an Air Hong Kong B727-200 freighter, provides a cargo capacity of 24 tons, up from 19 tons previously. The flight frequency has also been increased from four to five times a week. This represents a total payload capacity of 240 tons or a 58 percent (88 tons) increase in payload capacity for the service. Air Hong Kong is a 60/40 joint venture between Cathay Pacific and DHL.

According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, exports from the Philippines to China grew by an average of 43.8 percent between 2000 and 2005, while imports from China to the Philippines grew by an average of 30.5 percent in the same period. As a consequence, cargo volumes between Manila and Hong Kong are anticipated to rise significantly.

DHL’s Asia Air Network currently comprises more than 30 destinations in 16 countries and territories, served by over 20 aircraft in dedicated air operations. This allows major Asia Pacific cities and other business centers to be interconnected through DHL’s regional hubs and gateways, providing DHL’s customers with overnight services across the region.