Blue Dart launches its 6th Aviation Hub and inducts 4th Aircraft

Hyderabad : May 04, 2004

Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asia's largest integrated air express, courier and logistics company, today announced the launch of its 6th Aviation Hub at Hyderabad. The new aviation hub will be connected to the Blue Dart network by the recently acquired Boeing 737 freighter, the 4th aircraft in the Blue Dart fleet. This aircraft will connect Hyderabad to the 5 online hubs of Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata and, through its hub and spoke system, provide locations in Andhra Pradesh faster distribution to and from Blue Dart's network of over 13,700 locations.

The new aircraft will add 14 route connections and an additional 60 tonnes per night to Blue Dart's network, enhancing its present capacity to 180 tonnes per night; and will connect the new aviation hub in Hyderabad from May 17, 2004. Blue Dart's integrated air and ground facility at Hyderabad will also have bonded capabilities to facilitate transhipment of bonded cargo. The hub will be equipped with all security systems such as Xray machines and Blue Dart's complete array of ground-handling equipment and technology.

Announcing the launch of Blue Dart's 6th Aviation Hub, Gopa Kumar, Vice President - South, Blue Dart Express Limited said, "South India is the largest region and forms a key market for Blue Dart. Hyderabad, in particular, and Andhra Pradesh, in general, is significant to Blue Dart in the South on account of its growing business importance. The growth sectors are IT, Pharma, Biotechnology, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Education. Blue Dart is looking at supporting this growth through its strong infrastructure and delivery capability". Blue Dart, South Asia's leading courier and integrated air express package Distribution Company with dedicated aviation infrastructure, offers secure and reliable delivery of consignments to over 13,700 locations in the region. Through its sales alliance with world #1, DHL Worldwide Express, Blue Dart offers its customers the DHL advantage of global reach, unmatched cross-border specialisation and greater network flexibility. Blue Dart has been re-certified recently, as one of a handful of Indian companies, to the new global ISO 9001-2000 standards. The Blue Dart team drives marketplace leadership through its motivated people force, unique aviation system, 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 :May 04, 2004