Bangkok--2 Oct--Hill & Knowlton DHL, the world’s leading express and logistics company, has further enhanced its overnight service between Hong Kong and Beijing, by increasing its dedicated flight frequency to meet the growing demand for cargo capacity fuelled by the robust trade between Hong Kong and Mainland China. Customers utilizing this ten-time weekly dedicated service will now enjoy more options for their Hong Kong-Beijing shipment delivery schedule with the newly-added weekend flights, representing a 25 percent uplift capacity. As part of the service enhancement, DHL will utilize a larger Boeing B727-200F aircraft operated by Air Hong Kong — a 60/40 joint venture between Cathay Pacific and DHL — and customers will benefit from an overall 58 percent increase in payload capacity as the new freighter has a capacity to hold 24 tons per sector. Dan McHugh, 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. The decision to add capacity to the route reflects DHL’s commitment to enhance our service offerings so that our customers will continue to enjoy efficient and reliable first-rate express and logistics services.” Trade between Hong Kong and Mainland China has been registering 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 an impressive 21.6 percent, reaching US$166.2 billion. The uptrend continues in the first half of 2007, as trade volume expanded by a further 23.5 percent compared to a year ago. Hong Kong was China’s fourth largest trading partner and third largest export market last year. Tom Murphy, Senior Vice President, Aviation, DHL Express - Asia Pacific, said, “These additional flights will offer our customers the option of dispatching urgent or time-sensitive shipments over the weekend, allowing them to enjoy greater flexibility and convenience in meeting their business needs.” The upgraded Hong Kong-Beijing service will further strengthen DHL’s Asia Air Network. The network currently comprises more than 30 destinations in 16 countries and territories, served by over 20 aircraft in dedicated air operations. This allows major Asia Pacific cities and other business centers to be interconnected through DHL’s regional hubs and gateways, providing DHL’s customers with overnight services across the region. Thailand will greatly benefit from this service enhancement as China is emerging as an important trade partner of Thailand in terms of both export and import, with impressive growth of 22% (export) and 28% (import) in 2006. Main exporting items, including hi-tech goods, are expected to drive the outbound air cargo volume in the next three years, while hi-tech goods and machinery/industrial goods are forecasted to drive air imports in all inbound air cargo lanes. Thailand’s air cargo export growth is expected at around 9% and import growth is projected to be 5% in 2007.* About DHL DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specializing in providing innovative and customized solutions from a single source. DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport, contract logistic solutions as well as international mail services, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets. DHL's international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. More than 300,000 employees are dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers' expectations. DHL is a Deutsche Post World Net brand. The group generated revenues of ?60 billion in 2006. About DHL Thailand DHL Thailand offers customers a comprehensive range of logistics solutions through three business units: DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding and DHL Exel Supply Chain. Customers can enjoy the convenience of one-stop-shop service, from shipping documents to containers, delivered by 1,700 DHL staff. With over 20 locations around Thailand, DHL’s services cover 76 provinces in the country. For further information, please visit our website at http://www.dhl.co.th Press contacts: DHL Express International (Thailand) Ltd. Ms. Piyalak P. or Ms. Passarin L. Tel: 0-2345-5602 or 5608 Fax: 0-2285-5732 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Hill & Knowlton Thailand Ms. Dutduan J. or Ms. Phenphan P.Tel: 0-2627-3501 ext 114 or 112 Fax: 0-2627-3510 Email: [email protected] [email protected]