Nairobi — Traders will benefit from direct airfreight and express shipments in and out of Asia once a leading courier group and German airline, Lufthansa launch a cargo airline.

Deutsche Post World Net (DPWN), DHL's parent company, and Deutsche Lufthansa AG (DLAG) say the airline, to be based in Germany, will begin operations in 2009. The initiative follows a successful business relationship between the two firms that began in 2004. The two companies will each have a 50 per cent stake in the airline, for which they are yet to find a name.

However, DHL will be responsible for commercial operations of the express network, with additional cargo from Lufthansa Cargo on weekdays. The arrangements will during the weekends, suit the customer requirements of Lufthansa Cargo with on-load freight on those flights from DHL.

This is expected to accelerate the exchange of goods between Asia and the rest of the world through leading market transit times for customers.

"We are augmenting our global air network strategy. Our customers will profit from more capacities, better transit times and higher quality all-round. The new joint company will improve express service between Europe and the Asia growth markets," said Mr Charles Graham, chief executive officer Aviation DHL Express.

The cargo airline will initially comprise of 11 new 777-200LR freighters, and serve destinations such us Singapore, Bangkok, Dubai, Bombay, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul, Nagoya, Chicago and New York.