DHL links the Middle East to China, the fastest growing trade partner of the UAE through new Aerologic connection

Improved transit times: one day service from Asia - UAE and two days to the EU

Dubai, UAE, May 18, 2010: DHL, the world's leading logistics company, has expanded its air network with an Aerologic route linking the UAE to Asia and Europe. The announcement follows increased demand from the UAE business community to facilitate growing trade between the UAE and its largest trading partner, China.

Aerologic, the joint venture cargo airline of DHL Express and Lufthansa Cargo, will operate a B777F flight between Leipzig and Hong Kong with a connection in Sharjah, the third largest emirate of the UAE.

"This Aerologic flight route via the UAE will boost our air network capacity on an increasingly important tradelane. Asia and Europe have strong trade relations with the Middle East and China will play an increasingly important role in trade with the UAE. In 2009, China emerged as the top trading partner of the UAE with 12.9% of total imports into the Emirates originating from China. With enhanced linkages via the Middle East, we will also deliver greater time savings and better connections to our customers, thereby supporting UAE business across Asia and Europe," said John Pearson, CEO, DHL Express Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Four days a week - on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays - the Aerologic flight operates from Leipzig - Hong Kong - Sharjah - Leipzig. Once a week, on Sundays, the flight operates from Leipzig - Sharjah - Hong Kong - Sharjah - Leipzig. Every Friday, the flight operates from Frankfurt - Sharjah - Hong Kong - Frankfurt.

"With its strategic location, the UAE is an excellent location as a logistics distribution centre in the global supply chain. The Aerologic flight connection enables DHL's customers to enjoy improved transit times with the one day service from Asia to UAE and two days to the EU," said Ian Carey, Vice President, DHL Aviation, Express Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa.

"Bilateral trade between the UAE and China has seen impressive growth in recent years. This additional service is a positive commitment towards the anticipated growth we see in this trade lane", reaffirms Garry Kemp, Managing Director, DHL Express Middle East, North Africa and Turkey.

In addition to China, Germany and Italy are key trading partners with the UAE, representing 6.4% and 4.2% of total import trade respectively[1]. The movement of imports sees goods and services exported to the UAE as a consolidation and distribution point, before re-exporting to other countries in the Middle East, Africa and in the case of goods from Asia, to Europe as well.

Aerologic took delivery of two additional B777F aircrafts in December 2009. With a fleet of four, it is currently the largest operation of B777F worldwide. The B777F is the most efficient and environmentally friendly long range wide-body freighter aircraft available. Aerologic expects delivery of four additional B777F aircraft in 2010 (planned for June, July, September and November).  With these air craft, the airline can expand its route system to include further destinations.

DHL has been a pioneer in the Middle East logistics industry over the last 30 years through its innovation, service excellence and commitment to providing customers with superior logistics solutions.

-Ends- 

Media Contact:
DHL Asia Pacific/Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa
Anita Gupta
Tel: +65 6216 6290
Fax: +65 6216 6603
Email: APEEMEACorpCommunications@dhl.com
DHL - The Logistics company for the world 

DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and "The Logistics company for the world". DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 300,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting climate protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of more than 46 billion euros in 2009.

[1] Source: CIA World Factbook (updated 4 March 2010)

© Press Release 2010