(Hong Kong, Liege, 18 September 2009) – TNT today starts a new dedicated B747-400ER freighter service between Hong Kong and Europe. The non-stop flights will operate between Hong Kong and TNT’s European air hub in Liege, Belgium. The company can thus offer its customers fast transit times, control and visibility over shipments moving between Asia and Europe, while optimising its costs and fleet utilisation.
The new B747 freighter service from Hong Kong reflects TNT’s commitment to investing and growing in Asia. With its geographical and economic proximity to the Pearl River Delta and its central location in Asia, Hong Kong is a natural choice as a hub for serving customers in the south of China, but also in neighboring countries like Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and Taiwan. It will add to TNT’s other Asian international hubs, Singapore, Shanghai and Beijing.
"With our integrated air and road delivery capabilities in Asia and Europe, we are well-placed to capitalise on the strong trading links between the two regions," said James McCormac, regional managing director of TNT Asia Pacific. "More importantly, the addition of a dedicated freighter from Hong Kong will ensure our customers, especially those in the high-tech, telecommunications, electronics and fashion industries, become more competitive due to faster factory-to-market lead times and increasing inventory management efficiency. Our continuous investment in Asia clearly demonstrates TNT’s long-term confidence in the region and our continual commitment to raise our service capabilities on behalf of our customers."
The 110 ton Boeing 747-400 ERF (Extended Range Freighter) offers the lowest ton-mile cost in the industry. It is also the most versatile carrier for multiple loading capabilities. In February 2007, TNT introduced direct flights from Shanghai to TNT’s European air hub in Liege with its first dedicated Boeing 747-400 ERF. The plane makes a stopover in Singapore on its way back to China from Europe.