DHL opens international flight centre at Heathrow

The DHL International Flight Centre at Heathrow has been officially opened by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, patron of road transport and logistics industry charity Transaid,

The 52,000 sq ft centre will service United Airlines from the new International Flight Centre, and offer services including procurement, product sourcing, beverage replenishment, food assembly, final mile delivery to the aircraft and a full wash up service of airline catering equipment using the latest sustainable technology.

Addressing more than 80 DHL employees at the official opening, Her Royal Highness said: “I’m delighted to be here today, DHL has added lots of value to the airline industry. I also appreciate the huge amount of investment and expertise that has gone into developing your environmental credentials, and it has also been recognised by winning two international environmental awards.

"Your relationship with Transaid is a unique partnership and I am delighted with the all of the support you are providing the charity and I look forward to hearing how this relationship makes a difference in Africa.”

Transaid chief executive Gary Foster said: “Corporate partnerships are essential for Transaid and we’re delighted to have such a key partner like DHL Supply Chain on board. 

"We’re honoured that our Patron has attended today in recognition of the DHL’s support and we’re looking forward to broadening our involvement even further this year.”

Paul Richardson, managing director - specialist services at DHL Supply Chain, said: “Our investment in the new hub and United Airlines using our long-haul catering expertise proves that DHL is a serious contender in this marketplace.

"Our unique proposition offers airlines the opportunity to provide a great customer experience through the quality of their food while improving cost control and reducing the environmental impact of their supply chains.”  

DHL will continue its support for Transaid, which in 2013 included vehicle donation, shipment and fundraising to help the charity’s programmes in Africa.