time:matters, the expert for global special speed logistics, has added another three stations in Japan, Singapore and Thailand to its highly efficient standardized network following the seven locations recently opened in China as it continues to pursue its internationalization strategy. time:matters customers now have access to 84 weekly direct flights between the European hubs in Frankfurt, Munich and Vienna and the three new destinations.

With the new locations in now a total of ten Asian business centers – Tokyo (NRT), Singapore (SIN), Bangkok (BKK), Shanghai (PVG), Shenyang (SHE), Beijing (PEK), Nanjing (NKG), Qingdao (TAO), Chengdu (CTU) and Guangzhou (CAN) – time:matters is further expanding its presence in Asia and increasing its network density for the fastest possible global connections. In order to tap into the Chinese market, time:matters founded time:matters International Freight Forwarding Ltd. in June 2019 to provide customers with comprehensive support in Mandarin through a local hotline, email address and additional website.

time:matters is now offering transports of time-critical shipments between the new stations and existing Sameday Air locations in Europe, Israel, the US and Mexico with the usual high level of reliability and precision. Urgently required goods shipments can be collected and cleared through customs on the same day and reach their required destination in the unique Sameday Air network within the shortest possible time thanks to especially fast handling times starting at 90 minutes and transit times at the European hubs up from 45 minutes.

“We are now connecting further important Asian marketplaces with large European and American business centers via our unparalleled Sameday Air network,” explained COO Lars Krosch. “This represents an important step towards our long-term goal of providing our customers with a highly efficient global Sameday Air network.” “The expansion into the Asian market is a key element of our internationalization strategy and will help us to considerably extend our global quality promise and product range,” added Alexander Kohnen, CEO of time:matters GmbH. “This is a logical step for us following our expansion into China and a response to the specific needs and requirements of our international customer base.”

Customers involved in the automotive, high-tech and semicon, medtech, and machinery and components sectors worldwide in particular will benefit from the new destinations, which will allow them to avoid or mitigate potentially expensive supply chain disruption. time:matters is using Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines flights for standardized transports to and from Asia. Seamless connection with flights operated by the 21 Sameday Air partner airlines via the Frankfurt, Munich and Vienna hubs ensures unparalleled network coverage and density.

The expert in complex logistics solutions can guarantee not only speed and flexibility but also superb reliability and transparency through direct apron access at the hubs, combined with physical monitoring of all import, export and transit shipments. time:matters customers can also book their own shipments as usual via the online portal, track the progress of these and benefit from additional services such as customs clearance, pick-up and delivery upon request. Standardized pricing logic is used for consignments weighing up to 200 kg.

Australia Post and Qantas have announced an expanded domestic and international air freight agreement to support the growing demand for parcels.

Marking nearly a century of partnership between the two brands, it will benefit online shoppers and businesses across Australia by increasing capacity and providing greater network flexibility to meet customer expectations.

The seven-year agreement valued at over $1 billion will give Australia Post customers access to Qantas Freight’s dedicated freighter aircraft and priority access to the cargo space on up to 1,500 Qantas and Jetstar passenger flights to over 110 destinations each day, in addition to space on partner airlines globally.

It will also see the introduction of up to three Airbus A321P2Fs (Passenger to Freighter) to the freighter network used for Australia Post. Qantas will be the first airline in the world to operate the A321 as a freighter aircraft.

Each A321P2F will add nearly 50 per cent more capacity – or an additional nine tonnes – compared to the existing Boeing 737 freighters, with the first A321P2F due to enter the fleet in October 2020.

Christine Holgate, CEO and Managing Director, Australia Post, said the strategic alliance with Qantas means Australia Post and its customers can continue to power the eCommerce engine that’s driving Australian trade domestically and internationally.

“Australia Post plays a critical role connecting Australian businesses and communities to each other and the rest of the world, and with the continued growth in online shopping, we can now take it to new heights,” Ms Holgate said.

“This agreement will further boost our unrivalled, dedicated air freighter network with newer aircraft and more capacity right up until the opening of the new Western Sydney airport in 2026.

“The enhanced air freighter network complements $900 million in investment across our network through automation and infrastructure, and provides the speed, flexibility and reliability customers expect.

“It means that we can build flexibility into the air freight network to manage increased volumes and demand in the lead-up to Christmas. Last year we flew more than 400 tonnes of mail on our busiest night, and more than 40 million parcels during December; this year, we expect to exceed both those targets.”

Qantas Group CEO, Alan Joyce, said the seven-year agreement was a vote of confidence in the future growth in eCommerce and will support the rising demand for next-day delivery.

“This builds on the longstanding partnership between Australia’s national carrier and the nation’s postal service to deliver for customers.

“Consumer preferences and expectations are rapidly changing and together with Australia Post we’re responding by growing our dedicated freighter fleet to provide a better experience for consumers and businesses,” added Mr Joyce.

The partnership between Australia Post and Qantas dates back to when the national carrier first started flying airmail for the postal service in 1922.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee joined FedEx executives to announce an additional investment in the FedEx Express World Hub in Memphis. An additional $450 million investment will accelerate the modernization and expansion project which was announced in March 2018 and now totals more than $1.5 billion.

The FedEx World Hub, which currently has 11,000 team members and 163 aircraft gates, is the largest sort facility in the FedEx Express global network. Due to growing customer demand, FedEx has approved plans to make additional investments at the Memphis World Hub.

FedEx has a longtime presence in the Memphis airport and business community, and this investment reflects our continued commitment to Memphis and the state of Tennessee.