SYDNEY: May 02, 2016. Australia Post has launched a dedicated domestic air-freighter network for StarTrack, a subsidiary that provides e-commerce-driven, parcel delivery and supply chain solutions for local, international and online businesses.

To be launched in July this year, the new capacity will include three B737 variants and three BAE146-300s. The aircraft are provided by Qantas as part of a A$500 million contract signed last year with Australia Post to carry domestic mail, parcels and express post until mid-2020.

Ahmed Fahour, Australia Post group CEO and managing director commented: "This strategic alliance creates a greater opportunity for us to be first to deliver for our customers, combining our unrivalled delivery network and existing freight network with a dedicated and flexible air network."

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce (right of picture with Ahmed Fahour), said Qantas Freight will also offers access to the collective belly space on domestic Qantas and Jetstar passenger flights as well as eight more freighter aircraft. “This network, combined with the strength of our partnership and interline agreements [including Emirates], gives Qantas Freight significant network reach to more than 500 international and 80 domestic destinations," he noted.

Australia Post and StarTrack deliver more than four billion items annually to 11.4 million addresses across Australia via 11,000 vehicles, 500 facilities, 50 business hubs and more than 20,000 access points - including 4,000 post offices where from August 01, some customers could pay up to A$9.00 to collect their parcels before being returned to sender after 30 days.

In announcing the new charge, the postal organization said collections are free for up to five business days; after that non-‘My Post’ customers pay a fee of A$3.00 per item for the next five days. For 11-16 days, the price rises to A$6.00 and up to 30 days it is A$9.00. Customers signed up for ‘My Post’ only pay A$3.00 from 11-15 days and A$6.00 for the remaining period.