Blue Dart eyes neighbouring nations for expansion
by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Tuesday, 26 August 2008
The DHL-controlled express freight operator, Blue Dart Express, has indicated that it is looking at expanding its foreign connectivity, even as it announced the launch of a new trade lane with neighbouring Bangladesh.
The firm is considering building road links with Pakistan and air links with Sri Lanka, and has announced the construction of a Kolkata-based warehouse to act as a hub for shipments for Bangladesh.
With a population of 1.47 billion and the South Asia Free Trade Agreement due to roll out, these countries hold out the promise of a major market which we would like to exploit more fully,” said Anil Khanna, managing director, Blue Dart Express.
In addition, the company has also recently announced plans to spend US$47.5 million on air and ground infrastructure development inside India this year, a move that has been supplemented by a decision to increase rates – for the second time in three months.
“We will increase rates by 10-15% this fiscal year as manpower costs, property prices and rentals have gone up,” indicated Khanna.
Blue Dart has a 41% share of the Indian air express industry and has a fleet of six B757 and six B737 freighters, which operate across 60 route connections every evening. The company saw growth of more than 30% in the first quarter, compared to 21% growth during the same period last year.
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