Logistics major DHL announced has launched a Boeing 777F-200 freighter service between Bangalore and its European hub Leipzig, reported The Hindu.

    The new service, originating in Bangkok and Singapore, is to operate five days a week. The new freighter will be operated by AeroLogic, a joint venture cargo airline of DHL Express and Lufthansa Cargo.

    Malcolm Monteiro, senior vice-president and area director, South Asia, DHL Express, said the direct connectivity would result in improved transit times. He said DHL Express was committed to investing in infrastructure in India and double the "dedicated air network capacity of DHL" in the country. "South India is an important region in the country's economy and the launch of the freighter at Bangalore is a key step towards facilitating growth in this region," he said.

    R. S. Subramanian, country head, DHL Express India, said the freighter, with a capacity of 100 tonnes, would serve key markets in Europe and India, especially textiles, automotive and leather industries. The service would also result in better connectivity between markets in South India and key Asian markets, he added.

    Meanwhile, DHL Aviation has appointed Globe Air Cargo as its general sales agency in Bulgaria.

    The airline operates daily weekday Boeing 757-200 freighter services from Sofia to Leipzig in Germany. Globe, part of the ECS Group, expects to generate up to 600 tonnes of cargo a year ex Bulgaria. Under the terms of the contract, it will also supervise handling procedures for the airline in Sofia.

    Over the Leipzig hub, Globe will also be selling DHL Aviation's onward connections to Asia and the Americas and expects to attract a wide range of export cargoes from Bulgaria, including machinery, electrical and electronic equipment, exhibition materials, pharmaceuticals, garments, furniture and personal effects.

    ECS Group already has an established GSA relationship with DHL Aviation in France.

(source:http://www.cargonewsasia.com/category.aspx?id=7)