TNT Express opens new cargo facility in Dubai
Tuesday 8 March 2011 12:07 PM
Dubai: The global delivery company TNT Express inaugurated its new cargo facility at Dubai International Airport yesterday.
The facility, which covers 2,500 square metres, was officially opened by Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman of Dubai Airports.
TNT says the new cargo hub will allow customers to enjoy faster transit times, cost benefits and greater control over their shipments. The company recently launched a B767 freighter with a daily connection between Dubai and its air hub in Europe. The service carries up to 50 tonnes of cargo per flight.
Shaikh Ahmad said: "Dubai International is an emerging global hub for trade, cargo and logistics and the opening of a new facility for a global player such as TNT serves to build that momentum.
"Dubai Airports is committed to providing high levels of customer service and facilitating the smooth and efficient operation of TNT's new facility at Dubai International."
Confidence
TNT Express, a division of the Dutch company TNT, reported revenues of $7 billion (Dh36.1 billion) in 2010 and an operating income of $180 million. The company says a steady business recovery, fuelled by customers in the hi-tech, automotive and retail sectors, gave it confidence to expand its operations in the region.
Bryan Moulds, Regional Managing Director for TNT Middle East, said the new cargo facility at Dubai International Airport would serve as a catalyst for cargo traffic across the Middle East. "The only way that we can continue the growth we have witnessed over the last five years is by investing in the right places. This new facility will allow us to consolidate our Middle East kilos through our Dubai hub, which in turn will reduce costs and benefit consumers," he said.
"TNT's volumes on our freight network between Europe and the UAE have grown by over 30 per cent in 2010 and the timing of expanding the hub was to allow us further support and accelerate volume growth.”This is a complementary step in enhancing our connectivity in the Middle East alongside investment in enhanced handling facilities in Dubai, Jebel Ali and our Middle East Road Network," he added.
Aviation operations
Moulds also said that TNT Express is looking to establish a presence at Dubai World Central — Al Maktoum International Airport in Jebel Ali, which opened for general aviation operations last month. "Every express delivery company specialising in air freight movements is looking to establish itself at Dubai World Central; it is simply a question of when we can begin operations at the airport. TNT is looking to establish itself at Al Maktoum International in either 2012 or 2013."
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