TNT Express Boeing 767 provides dedicated daily connection between Europe and the UAE. JEDDAH: Logistics services in Saudi Arabia show further sign of robust growth with the addition of Boeing 767 freighter to boost the industry. The plane, representing a six-figure investment, was launched by TNT Express to best serve its interests in the Kingdom. TNT's freight volumes between Europe and the Middle East grew by over 30 percent in 2010. The inaugural landing of TNT's Boeing 767 freighter at Dubai's International Airport was a complementary step in enhancing the company's connectivity in the Middle East. The new daily freighter service will address demand by increasing capacity between Europe and the Middle East to up to 50 tons per flight. The steady recovery witnessed throughout the Middle East last year from the challenging business conditions of 2009 gave TNT the confidence to take this aggressive step, the company said in a statement Tuesday. TNT has been investing in improvements to its handling facilities in Dubai, Jebel Ali and its TNT Middle East Road Network. The freighter will service the Kingdom through the connection between Europe and the UAE, the company said. The aircraft provides a daily connection between Dubai and the European air hub in Liege, Belgium and is expected to benefit the Middle East, it added. From Europe, another dedicated freighter will link Middle East shipments to North America via New York. These connections will enable faster transit times, improved costs, and better control and monitoring of shipments. Martyn Wright, managing director, TNT SAB Express, Saudi Arabia, said "TNT is committed to continue actively investing in the Middle East and the new Middle East-Europe freighter service is part of our expansion plan across the region. We are looking forward to leverage our presence in the region and further spread our air and road network so as to facilitate a better link for our clients to Europe and the US. The growth of TNT's Middle East operations is being fueled by customers from the hi-tech, automotive and retail sectors that are moving increasingly larger volumes of material.
