Increased aircraft capacity is among the network enhancements UPS is making across Asia Pacific following strong growth in the first half of 2018.

UPS has welcomed seven new Boeing 747-8s to its fleet, servicing trade routes connecting Asia with the United States and Europe; a total of nine new aircraft will add more than 10 per cent capacity by the end of 2018.

Other measures include strengthening connectivity for Asian businesses with transit time improvements of up to three days; expanding the UPS Express portfolio with time-definite delivery services to postal codes in China, Hong Kong, South Korea and the Philippines; extended cut-off times for export shipments by up to five hours in four markets; a new rail freight service between Hong Kong and Europe; introducing alternative delivery locations for online shoppers in Hong Kong; and increased retail access points in Malaysia.

UPS Asia Pacific region president, Ross McCullough says: “The global economy is now a much bigger playing field and far less hierarchical than in the past. Shifting geopolitical forces, free trade agreements and a surge in connectivity through new technologies and physical infrastructure have allowed businesses from practically every market, including those in Asia, to take their products and services to customers anywhere in the world.”

He adds: “By making investments in our Smart Logistics Network in Asia, we aim to lay the foundation for more Asian businesses to expand their reach internationally, especially to other markets within our region as increased intra-Asia trade offers a buffer against headwinds from global trade and policy uncertainties.”

In the past 12 months, UPS has made investments in Asia including service expansions across China, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam, in addition to forming a new joint venture with SF Express in China.