ASTAR USA helps DHL take on delivery giants FedEx and UPS on their own turf. Hiring the carrier's fleet of some 8 aircraft enables DHL and other customers, including the US Air Force, Department of Defense, and the United States Postal Service, to achieve overnight delivery of virtually any kind of cargo. ASTAR's service includes scheduled as well as chartered flights. In early 2009, ASTAR suffered a blow to its business when -- in order to cut costs -- DHL was forced to shut down its US express delivery operations. ASTAR and other carriers continue to operate DHL's international shipping services to and from the US, albeit at a reduced level. An investment group led by CEO John Dasburg controls ASTAR.