The Qantas Group has acquired 100 per cent of Asia-based express freight operator, DPEX Worldwide.

Qantas executive general manager of Freight Enterprises, Grant Fenn, said the investment in DPEX, whose worldwide network included 18 countries across Asia, represented an important development for Qantas Freight Enterprises.

"The DPEX Worldwide acquisition will provide us with an exciting opportunity to enter the Asian express market and significantly expand our footprint in the region," he said.

"This is a high-growth market that complements Qantas' focus on Asian airfreight and our Australian express operations and provides a great building block for expansion and growth...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."

Mr. Fenn said that the purchase of DPEX Worldwide followed the successful acquisition of 37.5 per cent of the DPEX franchisee in China in May, a company statement said.

He added that the CEO of DPEX Worldwide, Donald Tay, would continue to lead the business as it develops and grows.