Qantas has acquired 100 percent of Asian express freight operator DPEX Worldwide as it focuses on boosting its air freight business in the fast-growing market.

Grant Fenn, Qantas executive general manager freight enterprises, said the investment would enable the group to enter the Asian express market and significantly expand its footprint in the region.

He did not give a purchase price, but said the deal followed the acquisition of 37.5 percent of the DPEX franchisee in China on May 30.

“This is a high growth market that complements Qanntas’ focus on Asian air freight and our Australian express operations and provides a great building block for expansion and growth,” Fenn said.

“We will be concentrating on expanding the company’s operations in key markets, building the DPEX brand and developing enhanced products and services for clients.”

The current CEO of DPEX Worldwide, Donald Tay, will continue to run the business.