Blue Dart adds Integrated Superhub to Chennai
- To add 45 new facilities across the country this year

Chennai: April 12, 2006

Blue Dart, South Asia's largest air express, courier and logistics company, today inaugurated its new Integrated Superhub in Chennai. This modern Superhub, located at the Old International Terminal, has airside as well as cityside access and the latest x-ray machines and cargo-handling equipment for swift and efficient clearances and retrievals, ground-handling and loading into the aircraft. Blue Dart Aviation, which has an ACMI agreement with Blue Dart Express for dedicated air services, has its headquarters and 2 of its fleet of 5 aircraft based at Chennai.

"Chennai has emerged as the preferred destination for IT and back-end operations of banks and other multinationals. The past decade has witnessed manufacturing startups locating here in a big way. This has paved the way for manifold growth in package volumes. Also, the Chennai Port witnesses some of the country's largest hardware imports from Southeast Asia for domestic distribution, so distribution plays a key role in sustaining growth. The South is a critical region for us as it accounts for 35% of our overall revenue. The benefits of an air-city side integrated hub gives Blue Dart a cutting edge in the express market for quick and seamless retrieval and dispatch of inbound and outbound loads." said Malcolm Monteiro, Managing Director, Blue Dart Express Ltd., on the occasion.

"From January to December 2005, we've handled over 2.8 million shipments in Chennai, servicing the IT, Auto, Textile, Telecom and Finance industries from this region. The Rs. 1 crore, 13,540 sq.ft. hub has a handling capacity of 100 tonnes and employs 113 people. Located 1 kilometre away from the domestic and international terminals and only 500 meters from the cargo terminal gives us immense proximity advantage," he added.

Speaking of the company's plans he said, "Blue Dart's investment of 25 crores in FY06 is in line with our plan to add 45 new facilities to the already existing 217 located across the country. Infact we plan to add 14 additional facilities in the South region alone".

Blue Dart has its own dedicated aviation services, and Blue Dart Aviation is India's first and, till date, only express cargo airline. Currently it has a fleet of five Boeing 737 freighters operating across 39 route networks each night.

"By the middle of the year 2 more Boeing 757s will be added to this fleet. With this addition, Blue Dart will be the only player to operate a Boeing 757 in the domestic skies. The induction will help us handle 250 tonnes per night as against the current level of 166 tonnes. At Hyderabad, we shall also be connecting the outbound flights to other stations by June '06," Mr. Monteiro said while speaking on the company's aviation strengths.

Tulsi Mirchandaney - Senior V.P - Marketing and Projects, Blue Dart Express Ltd. said, "Blue Dart is today the market leader with world-class services in the domestic sector. We have an extensive geographical network coupled with an unmatched delivery capability that encompasses a 23 year old expertise and an air-surface infrastructure that is unique and un-replicated in the country. The greatest benefit to our customers is peace of mind".

About Blue Dart:

Blue Dart, South Asia's premier courier and integrated air express package Distribution Company, offers secure and reliable delivery of consignments to over 13,880 locations in India and 220 countries worldwide. Blue Dart was selected a Business Super brand from over 854 brands across 82 product categories in India. The Blue Dart team drives marketplace leadership through its motivated people force, dedicated air capacity, cutting-edge technology, innovation and value-added services, to deliver unmatched standards of service quality to its customers

For further information contact :

marketing@bluedart.com
Dated : April 12, 2006