Global logistics: FedEx ups capacity for flights into and out of Vietnam

Jeff Berman, Group News Editor -- Logistics Management, 9/25/2008

MEMPHIS—Taking steps to meet increasing demand for reliable time-definite express services into and out of Vietnam, FedEx Corp.’s FedEx Express unit has introduced a new Airbus A310 flight service to the country.

FedEx spokeswoman Janella Loaiza told LM that the new flight will reduce the outbound transit time from Hanoi by one day and will provide customers with the best delivery and cut-off time in Hanoi.

“Transit time out of Ho Chi Minh City will remain the same by one day,” said Loaiza. “This new flight will benefit any local businesses in Vietnam that ship internationally as well as customers in the rest of Asia or anywhere else in the world who have manufacturing facilities, representative offices or business partners in Vietnam.”

And FedEx said shippers will seen an improvement in transit times into and out of Vietnam capital Hanoi by one day and will be able to leverage what it said are the best delivery and cut off times available in the city.

“As the world’s largest express transportation company, FedEx connects Vietnam to 19 key Asian cities with the industry’s most extensive intra-Asian network, FedEx Asia One®,” said Loaiza. “Through the FedEx Asia One® network businesses in Vietnam are connected to the global market through our unparalleled global network. Together with this new flight we believe we have set a high standard for the entire industry.”  

FedEx first established operations in Vietnam in 1994, according to a company statement. Since that time the company has worked to support the country’s efforts to become a key export market. It said that with a healthy economic growth rate of 8.5%, Vietnam’s exports rose more than 20% to US$48 billion in 2007.  And according to an estimate by the Ministry of Finance of Vietnam, the country will see an export turnover of US$58.6 billion in 2008, or a year-on-year increase of 22%.

“The transformation of Vietnam’s economy over the last fifteen years has seen Vietnam emerge as a powerful economic force in this region,” said David L. Cunningham Jr., president, Asia Pacific, FedEx Express, in a statement. “This service enhancement reinforces the FedEx commitment to provide greater access for customers doing business in and with Vietnam.”