Express provider TNT has started a new direct air cargo service between China and Europe following the arrival of the company's first Boeing 747-400 Extended Range Freighter (ERF) at 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 and connects with more than 500 cities in China and over 400 cities in Europe.

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 per cent in 2006, accounting for 15.5 per cent of China's foreign import-export trade value. This growing bilateral trade is fuelling rapid growth in customer demand for transportation services between China and Europe, the company noted in a statement.

The new flight will also enable TNT's clients in Hong Kong and other parts of Asia to move their goods to Shanghai for uploading, which the company expects will bring time and cost savings advantages to customers.

"The flight has been eagerly anticipated by TNT clients," said Michael Drake, managing director for TNT Greater China. "Operating direct flights between Europe and China will strengthen our service capability. It will also allow TNT to take advantage of the growing trade volume."

The new flight will also enable TNT's clients in Hong Kong and other parts of Asia to move their goods to Shanghai for uploading, which the company expects will bring time and cost savings advantages to customers.