Below is a quick overview of events around the world that may cause delays to the delivery of your international mail
Belgian air traffic controllers ended strike - TNT resumes normal operations
23 December 2011
TNT Express resumed operations at Liege Airport yesterday night after the end of a 24-hour strike by air controllers.
TNT's air and ground operations will fully return to normal today. During the strike, TNT took steps to minimise delays for its customers. We temporarily operated flights to other airports and transported even more consignments by road within Europe.
TNT regrets the inconvenience caused and apologises to its customers for these disruptions caused by circumstances beyond its control.
TNT Express takes contingency measures to overcome the restrictions of air traffic over Belgium.
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
TNT Express takes contingency measures to overcome the restrictions of air traffic over Belgium between 21 and 22 December.
Belgian unions have called for a general strike in the public sector between today 10pm (CET) and tomorrow 10pm (CET) to protest pension reforms. TNT Express is not taking part in this strike. Unfortunately, despite previous assurances from the Belgian air traffic authorities, TNT has just been informed that some essential services to operate flights to and from its European hub at Liege airport will not be available during the 24-hour strike.
TNT’s first priority is to service customers. We are therefore taking contingency measures across Europe to minimise the impact of a partial or total closure of the Belgian airspace. Our customers’ air consignments normally passing through Liege will be transported via other routes. TNT’s intercontinental flights will be diverted to neighbouring airports. TNT is lining up additional vehicles and workers to transport more volumes by road.
However, we are sorry to inform our customers that we will not be able to ensure a 24 hour delivery service in all cases, due to the late notification of the strike in air control services and to the impossibility to fully activate our business continuity plan.
While TNT Express respects the right to strike, the timing and short notice are particularly bad for businesses such as TNT at a critical time of the year.
We are in constant talks with all the relevant Belgian air traffic authorities and will update this statement if the situation develops.
Civil Unrest within Main UK Cities
United Kingdom – August 09th 2011
As reported widely on both National TV and Press, a number of cities across the UK have experienced a considerable amount of civil unrest during the past 2-3 days.
Fortunately, to date, the effect on our operations has been very limited. However, we have taken action in order to ensure our service to our customers remains at the highest possible level whilst maintaining a safe and secure workforce.
At present, only a small number of our local depot operations have been affected by the civil unrest and subsequent disruption, these being Croydon, Enfield and London City. There is also a perceived risk of the following locations being adversely affected: London Heston, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester Bredbury, Manchester Trafford Park, Park Royal and Luton, although, with the very unpredictable nature of the unrest, other locations around the country cannot be discounted.
A full contingency plan has been brought into effect to minimise the disruption to our operation and to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees and our customers’ goods. Our teams across the country are empowered to carry out dynamic risk assessment as the circumstances demand.
To track and trace the status of your consignment click here.
For the latest information on the situation - www.bbc.co.uk/news
VOLCANIC ASH UPDATE
25 May 2011 – 10:15 AM CET
The first update:
The Iceland volcano Grimsvötn is still erupting but to lower levels than during the weekend. As expected yesterday, the ash cloud impacted parts of Iceland, Scotland, Sweden, Latvia and northern Germany. Last night and this morning, TNT Express, like other airlines, could not operate flights to Edinburgh (Scotland), Stavanger (Norway) and Gothenburg (Sweden). The UK's Meteorological office has predicted that the volcanic ash will clear northern areas of the country by early today.
In coordination with its customers, TNT Express has rolled out contingency plans to re-route Edinburgh-bound flights to East-Midlands and Gothenburg-bound flights to Oslo. TNT Express completes the linehaul legs by road. Consignments from Gothenburg and Stavanger to the rest of Europe could suffer a delay of up to 24 hours. TNT’s flights to and from the US will also be delayed due to the closure of the Icelandic air space.
The actual impact of the eruption on TNT Express’ operations has been limited so far. The company’s air hub in Liege is fully operational. Although we do not expect any major disruption to our service during the next days, we are keeping a close eye on the situation together with the aviation authorities.
The second update:
The Iceland volcano Grimsvötn has stopped erupting. The European air safety organisation Eurocontrol today said the ash cloud could affect Berlin and also parts of Poland today. However, airports in Germany south of Bremen are not expected to be affected. There are no restrictions on flights in any other part of Europe. According to the Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) in London, the ash cloud coverage will dissipate during the day.
As expected yesterday, the ash cloud impacted parts of Iceland, Scotland, Sweden, Latvia and northern Germany. Last night and this morning, TNT Express, like other airlines, could not operate flights to Edinburgh (Scotland), Stavanger (Norway) and Gothenburg (Sweden).
In coordination with its customers, TNT Express has rolled out contingency plans to re-route Edinburgh-bound flights to East-Midlands and Gothenburg-bound flights to Oslo. TNT Express completes the linehaul legs by road. TNT’s service to and from the US is expected to return to a normal schedule shortly.
The actual impact of the eruption on TNT Express’ operations has been limited. The company’s air hub in Liege is fully operational. Although we do not expect any major disruption to our service during the next days, we are keeping a close eye on the situation together with the aviation authorities.
Japan Earthquake: No TNT employees injured - All depots and TNT Japan’s head office are open
14 March 2011
A massive earthquake occurred in Japan at 14:46 local time (05:46 GMT) on the 11th of March.
We would like to send our heartfelt sympathy out to all who have been affected by such a horrific disaster.
As of today, we are thankful to announce none of TNT Express’ employees in Japan were injured and TNT is gathering information about the possible damage to employees’ homes to see what can be done to help. TNT is also assessing the impact on its facilities and operations that may have been affected by the devastation.
Although certain depots have been affected with different degrees of severity, currently all depots and the head office of TNT Japan are open for business and have begun to resume operations in a limited capacity.
TNT will do its utmost to keep customers informed about the status of their shipments and will work to resume normal operations as soon as possible.
Local Holiday- Bangladesh
14 March 2011
Please be informed that , the Government has announced public holiday on 14th March 2011 in Chittagong ( CGP depot ) because of Bangladesh Vs Netherlands World Cup cricket match will be held on 14th Mar 11 in Chittagong . All Government offices, Customs, Banks, Financial & Educational Institutions will be closed. It is therefore requested that all requests and escalations are held during the period .
Local Holiday- Uganda
14 March 2011
Please be informed that , the Government has announced public holiday on 14th March 2011 in Kampala ( EBB) because of local elections for Mayor. All Government offices, Banks, Financial & Educational Institutions will be closed. There will be no pick up and deliveries in EBB. It is therefore requested that all requests and escalations are held during the period.
Portugal - Industrial Action
14 March 2011
Please be informed that the major transport associations in Portugal have started a strike action at 00h00 of today (14th of March),
to demonstrate against the fuel increases and against recent financial decisions made by the Government like introduction of tolls in all motorways across the country.
This is not a TNT Strike, although there could be a delay in PUD or Linehauls due to road blocks and/or changes in the viability due to demonstrations.
More impacted areas for the moment are: south (depots EVO/FAO), and some specific areas in the centre of the country (north Lisbon).
It is requested that you please hold your escalations during this period.
System will be updated accordingly with IAO status (industrial action None TNT).
Bahrain Update
14 March 2011
The situation in Bahrain is showing no signs of abating.
Road blocks have been set up at various places and traffic is moving at a very slow pace. Attendance at all offices has been very minimal with most of them deciding to close by afternoon to allow employees a safe return back home.
TNT BH did not operate its PUD fleet today considering the tense atmosphere prevailing around the country. Delivery of air linehaul material to the hub has also been very erratic due to absence of workforce.
TNT is monitoring the situation very closely and it has been decided to suspend all air linehauls temporarily. Decision on road linehaul will be taken after a review of the situation late evening.
A contingency plan has been put in place to route all air material transiting BAH via DXB hub for imports as well as exports. All imports into BH will be held at DXB hub in the interim.
Please keep all escalations to a minimum.
Further broadcasts will be arranged periodically.