DHL's Scott Price and Airport Authority chief executive David Pang launch DHL's Central Asia Hub expansion

CAS will be the largest fully automated express hub facility of its kind in the region when it is completed in 2007. CEO of DHL Express Asia Pacific, Scott Price, said DHL was the first in the industry to recognise the merits of locating a hub in Hong Kong which connects Macau and the Guangdong Province to form the Pearl River Delta (PRD).

He said expanding the CAS six years ahead of schedule clearly reflects the important role that Hong Kong plays as a conduit for international and intra-Asia trade.

"The Central Asia Superhub also plays a critical role as a gateway to the Pearl River Delta which accounts for 40 per cent of China's exports," added Mr Price. Over 70 per cent of DHL's China in-and-out-bound shipments are routed through DHL's Hub in Hong Kong

In 2004, the Hub handled over 22 million shipments, over 60 per cent which were intra-Asia shipments. In 2005, the Hub will handle more than 30 million shipments and expects its business to triple over the next decade. Volume is expected to reach 40 million units by 2008 alone.

The new fully automated hub when completed will increase DHL's parcel sorting capacity to 35,000 pieces per hour from 20,000 and its document-handling capacity from 15,000 per hour to 40,000.

Hong Kong Airport Authority's CEO, Dr David Pang, said DHL's expansion will further stimulate air cargo growth, especially those requiring speedy and reliable services. "It also underpins Hong Kong's overall competitiveness and its booming express cargo business, reinforcing Hong Kong's position as the world's largest international cargo airport." 

DHL is 100 per cent owned by Deutsche Post World Net. Its international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide.

Related links
DHL    
Hong Kong International Airport  
DHL launches HK hub targeting booming mainland market