invest $30 million in a three-year expansion of its air network in Latin America starting in the first quarter of 1996.

DHL, with offices on Church Street in Hamilton, said the investment will allow it to expand the volume of freight shipped within the region.

DHL will expand an aircraft terminal in Panama City to 2,100 square metres from 300 square metres, and install a new automated handling and sorting system for rapid processing and customs clearance.

The expansion will include service from DHL Aero Expreso, a new Panamanian airline. The airline will begin services between Miami and Panama. DHL said freight is delivered to 32 Latin American and Caribbean destinations, including 17 Latin American-US connections and 15 Caribbean.

DHL, based in Redwood California, said it serves every country in Latin America and the Caribbean as part of its international service. Company officials were not immediately available for comment.