Blue Dart ties up with Lankan firm

Blue Dart Express, the country's largest air express courier and logistics company, today announced an alliance with the Hayleys group of Sri Lanka to extend its footprint in the island country. The company is open to similar alliances in other neighbouring countries.

The tie-up with, according to Blue Dart, will enable the company service the widest geographical reach between the two countries with an integrated network touching customers in over 13,700 locations in India and 400 locations in Sri Lanka.

While Blue Dart will leverage its brand potential, Hayleys will provide the infrastructure backup in Sri Lanka.

"With the two countries close to signing a free trade agreement, we foresee a huge business potential. Moreover, even today, India is Sri Lanka's biggest trade partner," said Tulsi Nowlakha Mirchandaney, senior vice president""marketing and projects, said.

Mohan Pandithage, director Hayleys group, said, "Sri Lanka is poised to emerge as a major distribution and logistics hub in the Saarc region where efficient distribution will play a key role. We are positioning ourselves to emerge as a dominant logistics service provider."

Blue Dart had entered into a five-year global sales alliance with DHL in October 2002. The company has domestic infrastructure and is the only domestic cargo airline in the Saarc region, with a fleet of 4 Boeing 737 freighters.

Further, its aircraft are strategically positioned in Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore, to service markets including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.