TNT is adding a Boeing 747-400 ERF freighter between China and its European air hub in Liege, Belgium. The move will increase service frequency to six flights per week from Shanghai, and five per week from Hong Kong. TNT said the expansion is a response to stronger demand in China for air services, especially from the high-tech and fashion industries. Chinese exports to Europe rose nearly 50 percent during the first five months of 2010, compared with the same period of 2009, according to China's General Administration of Customs. TNT's current freighters between China and Europe are operating at capacity, said Iman Stratenus, the company's managing director for China. "The increased dedicated freight capacity will ensure our customers, especially those in the high-tech and fashion/lifestyle sectors, become more competitive due to shorter factory-to-market lead times and increased supply chain management efficiency," he said. TNT is also developing its domestic Chinese operations, including a day-definite road service to 26 large cities.
