Express provider TNT has said it will officially launch a new direct flight service between China and Europe, with their first Boeing 747-400 Extended Range Freighter (ERF) heading for the Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

The new TNT Boeing 747-400 ERF will fly three times a week between Shanghai and TNT's European Air Hub. The new flight will link TNT's extensive network in China to its European network, connecting more than 500 cities in China to over 400 cities in Europe, thereby strengthening TNT's market leadership position in the Chinese and European markets, said Michael Drake, managing director of the Greater China of TNT.

According to statistics from China Customs in 2006, the European Union continues to be China's biggest trading partner. Bilateral trade grew at a rate of 25.3 percent in 2006.

The Boeing 747-400 ERF is the most advanced and longest-ranging model of the 747 family. It is the fastest commercial aircraft of its kind in production and it offers a 105-ton payload capacity.

TNT expects to put into operation its second Boeing 747-400 ERF freighter in May 2007.