DHL TO SHAKE UP ASIA-PACIFIC AIR OPERATIONS
DHL Worldwide Express plans to announce on Monday a reshuffling of its air
express delivery operations in the Asia-Pacific region, a spokesman for the company said.
Industry observers expect DHL to sign a block-space agreement with an Asian
carrier to replace a capacity arrangement the express carrier has had for some years with
regional airline Continental Micronesia.
Block-space agreements in the air-freight industry typically involve a
commitment from one company to purchase freight capacity from an airline on specific
routes.
DHL did not confirm that it was seeking a new partner. But industry
sources say DHL has recently held talks with carrier Air Macau and that a deal could
include DHL taking an equity stake in the airline, which is based in Portuguese-controlled
Macau. The territory is due to be handed over to China Dec. 19.
Air Macau controls operating rights to serve the important China market and
takeoff and landing slots at airports in Japan and Korea, among other key Asian freight
destinations.