AFL eyes contract as UPS’ local partner

Mumbai: Marking the end of a 28-year strategic alliance in courier operations, DHL Express, the Bonn, Germany-based courier and logistics major, has parted ways with its Indian master franchisee, AFL Pvt. Ltd, which, in turn, is now eyeing a deal with Georgia, US-based United Parcel Service Inc., or UPS.
Effective 1 January, DHL will use air express and transportation company Blue Dart Express Ltd, in which DHL Express has an 81.03% stake.
AFL, meanwhile, is hoping to tap UPS as a strategic partner to continue its courier operations in the country.
A senior AFL executive, who did not wish to be identified, confirmed the developments, including the potential UPS tie-up. AFL chairman and managing director Cyrus Guzder couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.
Founded in 1945 when Guzder was appointed by Tata Airlines (now Air India) as its first sole cargo agent in the country, AFL introduced India to the concept of express delivery (courier services) through an exclusive alliance with DHL Worldwide Express in 1979. Later, AFL launched its domestic courier service, called AFL WiZ in 2001.
03/10/07 P.R. Sanjai/Livemint

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Categories: Cargo Oct 2007, New Oct 2007