DHL plans to close its air sort hub in Wilmington, Ohio, as part of its far-reaching restructuring of its financially troubled U.S. express business.

The air sort hub will be closed once DHL phases out its outsourced flying with ABX Air and ASTAR Air Cargo, and turns that business over to its competitor UPS. Some air freight will be shifted to UPS's Louisville hub this year, said Jonathan Baker, DHL director of public relations, with full transition to be completed by the end of 2009.

The fate of other segments of DHL's Wilmington business remains unclear. The Wilmington airport, which DHL owns, would remain open for now, as will the various facilities on site.

DHL said it has not decided whether it will sell the airport, the largest privately owned airport in the United States.

Wilmington is also DHL's largest ground sorting facility and is used to clear and sort international air freight. "We're studying what to do with those operations, whether to remain in Wilmington or go to alternative locations," Baker said.

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Robert W. Moorman