TNT further invests to catapult Middle East operations into next growth phase
Dubai, UAE, March 7, 2011 – TNT Express inaugurated today their new air cargo handling facility at Dubai International during a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports.
TNT confirmed significant investments to accelerate their next phase of growth in the Middle East, centred from its Regional Headquarters in Dubai, UAE. The ongoing investment in the local economy involves facilities, equipment and people and involves a significant ongoing commitment.
There are several exciting developments linked to and starting with the opening of this new 2,500m2 dedicated facility, where TNT has the benefit of close on site cooperation with both Dubai Police and Customs authorities, which will enhance daily operations.
The recent launch of a dedicated B767 freighter, with a daily connection between Dubai and TNT’s European air hub in demonstrates the company’s confidence, borne from a strong regional recovery centred in the UAE and specifically Dubai. With these developments, customers will enjoy faster transit times, cost benefits, greater control and visibility over their shipments.
Terming the launch of the new facility as the continuation of a long and fruitful partnership between Dubai International and TNT, Sheikh Ahmed said, “Dubai International is an emerging global hub for trade, cargo and logistics and the opening of a new facility for a global player such as TNT serves to build that momentum. Dubai Airports is committed to providing high levels of customer service and facilitating the smooth and efficient operation of TNT’s new facility at Dubai International.”
Commenting on the inauguration of the air hub at Dubai’s International, Bryan Moulds, Regional Managing Director for TNT Middle East said, “This new facility is another step in our aggressive expansion in the region. We are committed to investing in the Middle East and want to thank His Highness for sparing the time to officially open our new operation. TNT’s volumes on our freight network between Europe and the UAE have grown by over 30 per cent in 2010 and the timing of expanding the hub was to allow us to further support and accelerate volume growth. This is a complementary step in enhancing our connectivity in the Middle East, alongside investment in enhanced handling facilities in Dubai, Jebel Ali and our Middle East Road Network (MERN).”
This growth has been fuelled by customers in the hi-tech, automotive and retail sectors that are increasingly moving larger volumes of high-value goods on these trade lanes. The new daily freighter service increases time-definite capacity between Europe and the Middle East, with up to 50 tons per flight. A steady business recovery throughout the Middle East, from the difficult trading conditions of 2009, has given TNT the confidence to make this aggressive step.