Since the tsunami waves hit Asia more than a week ago, DHL has been responding to calls from governments, local authorities of the affected countries, and international aid agencies in providing assistance in the deliveries of relief supplies and in extending humanitarian aid.

To date, the business entities of DHL including Express, Danzas Air & Ocean and Solutions combined have raised and contributed more than €35 0,000 in relief activities, including flight charters, monetary donations, and contributions in-kind to the tsunami disaster; and about 41 DHL offices across the region are directly involved in relief efforts.

One of the most significant relief activities that DHL has embarked on is the flight charters that it has committed in response to requests by governments in affected countries, and international aid agencies to help in the uplift of relief supplies. To date, it has chartered 7 flights, via a mix of DHL aircraft and commercial uplift, to deliver more than 126 tonnes of relief supplies to tsunami-affected areas in the region. Specifically, there were five chartered flights that departed from Bangkok to Phuket, one chartered flight to Colombo from Singapore and another to the Andamans from India.

As official government organizations start to deploy into the affected areas, the need for private companies such as DHL to organize flights and direct aid will diminish, and be supplanted by a continuing need for financial contributions. DHL employees in the AP region have also demonstrated their concern and generosity by contributing more than €42,000. This amount is expected to increase as employees return from their holidays. The donation drive will end in the second week of January. DHL has committed to match, dollar for dollar, all contributions from staff in the AP region.

Other relief activities that DHL has undertaken so far include:

• Mobilization of its Global Disaster Resource Network team to affected countries
• On-site assistance in transportation, distribution and logistics support in affected areas
• The purchase and distribution of relief supplies such as food, tents, blankets, and stoves, etc
• The release of DHL vehicles to supplement the vehicle fleets of local governments in India
• Provision of storage space in its warehouses in Singapore and Vietnam for the collection of relief items

Scott Price, Chief Executive Officer, DHL Express Asia Pacific said, "Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims of this unfortunate tragedy. We will continue to do what we can by harnessing our logistical expertise, presence and network to assist governments and international aid agencies in their humanitarian relief efforts in this time of need."