DHL has launched two new direct flights from its hub in Hong Kong to Chengdu, China and from Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as the latest enhancements to its Asia air network.

DHL’s new Hong Kong to Chengdu route promises evening pick-up and next-day delivery for shipments to Chengdu and other economic centers in Southwestern China, such as Chongqing,
Kunming and Guiyang, the express operator said. This route is operated in cooperation with Yangtze River Express Ltd., a Chinese all-cargo airline, via a B737-300F freighter with a frequency of five times per week.

High value and formal export shipments, dependent upon customs
clearance, will also benefit from a previously unavailable same-day uplift service, according to DHL. An additional direct flight was launched earlier this year, which connects Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The new direct flight, which replaces
the existing flight transiting in Bangkok, improves inbound and outbound service by shortening the transit time from Vietnam to the US and Europe, and vice versa, by two hours.

The introduction of five B727F flights per week, each with a payload of 22 tonnes, is operated by DHL’s joint venture partner airline, Air Hong Kong. “This latest addition of the two direct flights
underlines our continued confidence in the Asia Pacific region,” said Jerry Hsu, CEO, DHL Express Asia Pacific.

“This enhancement to our Asia air network not only increases our capacity and connectivity, but also proves our dedication to connecting emerging markets’ businesses across the region to keep pace with Asia’s strong rapid growth.”

“The launch of these new routes is a direct response to the rising demands for express services from China and Vietnam to Hong Kong as well as other parts of the world, and vice versa,” said Ken Lee, managing director, DHL Express Hong Kong.