DHL Express has increased freight volumes between the Asia-Pacific region and the rest of the world by about 6% this year compared to 2023 and the first three quarters of 2024, proving that the Asia-Pacific region will continue to play a more important role in global trade. Enhanced regional connectivity and efficiency will enable DHL Express to cater to new trade growth points in the Asia Pacific region, driven by supply chain diversification and geographical tailwinds.

Ken Lee, CEO of DHL Express Asia Pacific, said: "The Asia Pacific market is facing significant growth, driven by global supply chain diversification, structural tailwinds and e-commerce. Thanks to our forward planning, we are able to respond to these changes in demand by making timely and strategic enhancements across the region. These enhancements also position us well to support our customers during the traditional peak season when consumer e-commerce traffic surges."

Responding to growing demand in Southeast Asia

Last year, DHL Express expanded several key facilities in the region to keep pace with increased trade. It upgraded its South Asia hub at Singapore's Changi Airport to meet expected throughput growth of more than 20% in 2021 and 2022. South Asia Hub plays an important role in DHL Express 'Asia Pacific Multi-hub strategy capitalizing on Singapore's position as a key logistics hub to serve goods destined for Europe, the Americas, Asia and Oceania. Upgrades to the center include the deployment of new X-ray security screening machines to increase scanning capacity by nearly 30 percent, and enhancements to existing material handling systems to increase sorting capacity by nearly 40 percent.

The South Asia hub also hosts five DHL owned Boeing 777 Freighters operated by Singapore Airlines under crew and maintenance agreements. These aircraft can deliver more than 1,200 tons of additional payload, optimize transit times between the Americas and Asia, and bridge trade between continents. The new Boeing 777 emits 18% less carbon than the conventional B747-400, thereby reducing DHL's range 1 emissions.

In October 2024, DHL Express opened its state-of-the-art gateway in Kuala Lumpur, firmly supporting Malaysia's position as a sourcing destination, especially in the electrical and electronics manufacturing sector. The expanded facility covers more than 13,000 square meters with an investment of approximately €60 million and is equipped with a fully automated sorting system. It was also built in accordance with the DHL Group's carbon-neutral building guidelines, with solar panels and energy efficient water and electricity systems installed throughout the complex.

Regional upgrades also include strengthening companies' networks on high-demand trade routes. In September, a new direct flight between Hong Kong and Jakarta was launched, further improving transit times and customer service quality. Businesses and consumers in Indonesia will benefit from faster delivery of freight within the Asia-Pacific region and more trade opportunities with Asian partners.

Peter Bardens, Senior Vice President, Network Operations and Aviation, DHL Express Asia Pacific, said: "We take a proactive approach, constantly adapting our network and improving the quality of our services. Today, our customers have diverse needs and our strong international network will help them connect to global markets and drive new growth opportunities in the region. International trade remains an integral part of the world economy and we will continue to play a central role."

Strengthen international trade connectivity in Oceania

Oceania's export-driven economy is strongly supported by the company's modern logistics network and efficient customs procedures. To help customers better take advantage of opportunities in the region and trade routes with their counterparts in Asia Pacific, a dedicated air route has now been launched between Sydney and Hong Kong to further enhance connectivity with the Oceania region. 

In addition to adding air cargo capacity, DHL Express has also opened two ground facilities in Adelaide and Newcastle in the past 12 months.

The company recently opened a portal in Adelaide, consolidating its presence in Australia. The expanded facility was relocated close to the airport, quadrupling its peak facility handling capacity and cutting transit times for outbound cargo bound for Asia Pacific, Europe and the UK by one day. It will also help local businesses gain direct air access to and from Adelaide and South Australia, reducing reliance on other Australian ports. DHL Express is also building a new multi-million dollar service centre in Newcastle that is more than 10 times larger than its previous site. The infrastructure will help businesses in the region export their products to international markets and gain access to a wider range of imports for their supply chains.

DHL Express will also open a new gateway in Christchurch, New Zealand, further expanding its footprint in the country. As the country's largest ever investment, the facility will be DHL Express 'first 100% carbon neutral facility in New Zealand. Its line sorting conveyor system, which can handle up to 6,500 inbound packages per hour and 5,600 outbound packages per hour, will enable local New Zealand businesses to import and export more efficiently.

Expand network capacity in North, East and South Asia to accelerate trade

DHL Express opens Hong Kong West Service Centre to further enhance connectivity in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to meet growing trade demand. The facility can handle more than 50,000 shipments per day and is LEED Gold certified, the globally recognized green building certification program.

In the first quarter of 2024, DHL Express and Japan Airlines also strengthened their partnership with the broader air network connecting Japan, Seoul, Shanghai and Taipei. This demonstrates DHL Express 'agile capabilities and commitment to raising the bar for service reliability and efficiency.

As a popular multi-shore export destination, India's overall exports continued their upward trend, growing by 1.23% between November 2022 and 2023. According to the latest DHL Global Connectivity Tracker report, India is also one of the countries with the largest share gains in world trade. Recognizing the need to meet the growing demand for logistics services, DHL Express has invested in and opened its first automated freight short-route center in New Delhi, India. The investment fulfills the desire of local businesses to seamlessly export to foreign markets.