DHL Express has significantly strengthened its aviation network and ground facilities across the Asia Pacific region over the past year, addressing rising global trade demands and the rapid growth of e-commerce. Comparing the first three quarters of 2023 and 2024, the company moved 6% more shipments between Asia Pacific and the rest of the world, underscoring the region’s growing importance in international trade.
Ken Lee, CEO of Asia Pacific, DHL Express, attributed this growth to the diversification of global supply chains, structural economic shifts, and booming e-commerce activities. “Thanks to our forward planning, we are well-positioned to respond to these shifts in demand with the timely and strategic enhancements we have made across the region. These enhancements also put us in an excellent position to support our customers during the traditional peak season where consumer e-commerce traffic will spike.”
Southeast Asia has emerged as one of the fastest-growing trade destinations, driven by its skilled workforce, trade agreements, and focus on innovation. To keep pace, DHL Express upgraded its South Asia Hub near Changi Airport, Singapore, which plays a critical role in the company’s multi-hub strategy for Asia Pacific.
The facility now features enhanced material handling systems, increasing sorting capacity by 40%, and new X-ray screening machines that boost scanning capacity by 30%. The hub is supported by five DHL-owned Boeing 777 freighters operated by Singapore Airlines, adding over 1,200 tonnes of payload capacity and reducing fuel consumption by 18% compared to legacy aircraft, lowering DHL’s Scope 1 emissions.
In Malaysia, DHL Express invested €60 million to open an advanced gateway in Kuala Lumpur in October 2024. Spanning 13,000 square metres, the carbon-neutral facility includes a fully automated sorting system and incorporates solar panels alongside energy-efficient water and electricity systems. This investment highlights Malaysia’s role as a key sourcing destination, particularly for electronics manufacturing.
Further strengthening regional connectivity, DHL Express introduced a new direct flight between Hong Kong and Jakarta in September, improving transit times and service quality. In Hong Kong, the company inaugurated its West Service Centre, which handles over 50,000 shipments daily and has earned LEED Gold certification for sustainable building practices.
To enhance its air network, DHL Express expanded its partnership with Japan Airlines in early 2024, connecting Japan with Seoul, Shanghai, and Taipei. This move reinforces DHL’s agility and commitment to improving service reliability across key markets. In India, where global trade activity is on the rise, DHL Express opened its first automatic shipment sorting hub in New Delhi to meet growing demand for logistics services.
Peter Bardens, Senior Vice President for Network Operations & Aviation – Asia Pacific, highlighted DHL Express’s proactive approach to enhancing its network. “Our robust international network connects customers to global markets and supports new growth opportunities. International trade remains vital to the global economy, and DHL Express will continue to play a central role in facilitating this growth.”
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