Express provider TNT has announced the launch of 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 connect Shanghai and TNT's European Air Hub three times a week. The new flight will link TNT's extensive network in China to its European network, connecting over 500 cities in China to over 400 cities in Europe, firmly consolidating TNT's market leadership across Chinese and European markets, said Michael Drake, managing director of TNT Greater China.

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-range model of the 747 family. It is the fastest commercial aircraft of its kind in operation today and offers a 105-ton payload capacity.

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

(Xinhua News Agency January 18, 2007)