DHL raises capacity and frequency of HK-Beijing service

DHL has increased the capacity of its overnight Hong Kong-Beijing service to meet growing trade volumes.

As a result, the frequency of the service has been boosted to 10 flights weekly after adding new weekend flights, representing 25 per cent more capacity, a DHL statement said.

DHL will deploy the larger Boeing B727-200 Freighter from Air Hong Kong, a joint venture company owned by Cathay Pacific and DHL. This will raise payload 58 per cent, as the new freighter is able to hold 24 tons per sector.

Dan McHugh, acting CEO, DHL Express-Asia Pacific, said: "We foresee sustained cargo volume growth, as Hong Kong and mainland China become more intricately linked as an integrated supply chain due to deepening economic integration."

Trade between Hong Kong and the mainland has experienced double-digit growth in recent years, boosted by strong Chinese exports. According to figures from China's Ministry of Commerce, two-way trade figures in 2006 rose by 21.6 per cent, reaching US$166.2 billion.

The increase continued in the first half of 2007, as trade volume expanded 23.5 per cent from a year ago. Hong Kong was China's fourth largest trading partner and third largest export market last year, DHL said.

Said DHL senior vice president Tom Murphy: "Additional flights offer the option of dispatching urgent or time-sensitive shipments over the weekend."

DHL's Asia air network currently covers more than 30 destinations in 16 countries and territories, served by over 20 aircraft in dedicated air operations.