TNT will be the first international express service provider to provide dedicated flights to connect Chongqing in China to Europe, through TNT’s air hub in Liege, Belgium.
The company has scheduled three flights per week in response to growing demand from Chongqing’s burgeoning high-tech industry.
The Chinese government’s Western China Development Strategy has boosted the economic development in western China, including Chongqing.
Chongqing’s exports rose 62.1 per cent to $4.2 billion in the first eight months of 2010. The city’s GDP increased to about $54.51 billion in the first half of 2010, up 17.6 per cent year-on-year.
The growing trade and development in Chongqing – with high-tech manufacturing sector as one of the key drivers – creates huge demand and market opportunities for logistics delivery services.
Iman Stratenus, Managing Director, TNT International Express Mainland China and Hong Kong, says TNT is pleased to assist in the development of the emerging industry in Chongqing.
“As the first company to provide dedicated freight service to Chongqing, we are well-positioned to seize the growing business opportunities between Western China and Europe by providing our customers with the fastest, most consistent and reliable express services.”
Chongqing Mayor Huang Qifan welcomed TNT’s investment to the region.
“We are glad to see the initiative and commitment of TNT to lead the international express industry to provide dedicated flights to connect Western China with Europe, not only meeting growing customer demand but also contributing to the long-term economic development of Chongqing,” he said.
TNT has increased its dedicated flights between China and Europe from six times per week to a daily service since September 2010.
It is continuing to strengthen its leading Chinese road distribution service through further investment to enhance the National Day-Definite road service in China.
Michael Drake, Regional Managing Director, TNT North Asia, says that China is a strategically vital market for TNT globally.
“By leveraging our strengths and capability in both international express and domestic road transportation services, we are in a unique market position to offer customers a combined delivery service that can meet both growing export and domestic demand across the country including Western China,” Drake said.
About TNT Express
TNT Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands, provides businesses with an extensive range of services for their express delivery needs across the globe. Operating out of a network of 60 depots and over 250 agencies across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands with a fleet of over 2000 vehicles, TNT Australia employs approximately 5000 staff. TNT recognises its global social responsibility and has formed partnerships with the United Nations World Food Programme and the United Nations Environment Programme, to fight hunger and pollution in the world.
For more information and enquiries, please contact:
Adrian Castorina
General Manager, Marketing & Communications
Phone: 02 8304 8727
Mobile: 0419 164 938
Email: adrian_castorina@tnt.com.au