TNT takes off from Turku with a new cargo plane

Global transport provider TNT Express started operating a new Boeing 737-300 cargo plane via Turku at the beginning of October 2006. The new carrier increases capacity on the route to 17,000 kilos from less than 10,000 kilos.

 

TNT’s transport volumes have been growing at an annual rate of more than 10 per cent in the Turku economic region in recent years, and the demand for air cargo in particular has increased rapidly.

 

Peter Ervasalo, TNT’s Regional Director for Turku, says that the new plane ensures sufficient capacity to meet the needs of import and export customers now and into the future. The increased capacity also enables bigger shipments onboard the 737-300.

 

“We started running express cargo flights to and from Turku in 2004, and the growth in demand has exceeded even our best expectations,” reveals Mr Ervasalo.

 

The cargo carrier flies every morning from Liège, Belgium to Turku, and after unloading and loading continues on to Tallinn. The return trip is made the same evening. A smaller plane previously used on the route has been transferred to another TNT operated route.

 

The company is leasing 230 square metres of new warehouse space at Turku Airport’s cargo terminal and has hired 11 new drivers and acquired delivery vans to meet rising demand.