Recent developments at TNT are designed to enhance the provider's operations Asia, particularly in Japan and China.
First, Japan Post and TNT plan to launch a co-branded international premium express product in Japan. TNT already has started performing the linehaul and delivery for some of Japan Post's EMS volumes from Japan to several European destinations.
In the logistics arena, the alliance initially will focus on developing business in Japan based on TNT's logistics skills and expertise and Japan Post's strong home market position.
TNT says it sees the cooperation as a breakthrough step in its growth strategy in the Asia Pacific express and logistics market.
Second, the express division of TNT will lease two B747-400ERF freighters to begin a new direct service between Europe and China in 2006. The planned service is an enhancement of existing service. Two years ago, TNT launched its Integrated Direct Express service between China and Europe in response to the rapid growth of its global high-tech client base.
"This is a major step towards achieving our strategic objective of being the number one carrier between Asia and Europe," says Peter Bakker, CEO of TNT N.V. "It provides us with much needed additional capacity between China and Europe, where our volumes have grown by 35 per cent year-to-date, compared with 2004. The investment in the two new freighters will also ensure service reliability and allow us to take advantage of the growth in manufacturing exports out of China."
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