TNT Express hired 20 pilots in January and now plans to hire another 80 before the year end as it expands its cargo fleet.

Within the next 16 months, TNT expects to take delivery on two BAe 146, two B747-400 ERF and five B737 SF aircraft. The new aircraft will be added to the existing fleet of 11 BAe 146, six 737s and four A300 aircraft.

The new pilots will join TNT Airways' existing Liège-based aircrew of 284. They will fly some of the existing aircraft as well as the newer ones. TNT is looking for experienced pilots as well as novices. The airline has its own training program for new pilots.

"Hiring 100 new pilots is essential to the expansion of the network. With the addition of new routes, the growing traffic on our current air routes and the increase in aircraft numbers, the quality of service to TNT's global customer base will continue to improve," said Niky Terzakis, managing director, TNT Airways.