United Parcel Service announced plans to spend US$180 million to quintuple its presence in Shenzhen as it transfers its air hub for the Asia region from the Philippines to the southern city, the South China Morning Post reported. The courier’s hub at Shenzhen Airport, expected to begin operations in 2010, will cut shipment times for manufacturers in Guangdong by at least a day. Other global air delivery service companies have been increasing their presence in the Pearl River Delta. Express delivery competitor Federal Express is schedule to complete its hub at nearby Guangzhou Baiyun Airport by the end of this year.