TNT Express has inaugurated direct, scheduled freighter service between Chongqing, China and Western Europe, through the carrier's hub in Liege, Belgium. The service is utilizing a Boeing B747 aircraft. In its first phase, it will operate three times week. TNT claims to be the first express company to offer dedicated flights between Europe and Chongqing. The move is in response to growing demand from the region's high-tech industry, the company said. The Chinese government's "Western China Development Strategy" has boosted economic development in that area. Since September of 2010, TNT has increased flight frequencies to Shanghai and Hong Kong to seven and six times a week, respectively. The company is also strengthening its Chinese domestic road delivery services, especially its national day-definite road distribution network.
