DHL Express, a global leader in international express shipping, is expanding its air freight capabilities in Asia by adding modified Boeing B737-800 cargo planes to meet the growing demand for e-commerce, especially during the upcoming peak season. This new cargo aircraft, operated by K-Mile Asia, a partner of DHL, will conduct six flights per week from Hanoi to Hong Kong and Bangkok, and back to Hanoi, increasing total cargo capacity to nearly 140 tons per week, a 30% increase from the previous Boeing B737-400SF. This enhancement is designed to prepare for the anticipated rise in shipment volumes during the upcoming peak season. The increased cargo capacity and frequency of international flights from five to six per week will expedite international shipping, benefiting businesses and consumers in the three countries by providing greater trade opportunities within the Asia region.

Ken Lee, CEO of DHL Express Asia Pacific, commented on the new flight additions, stating, “The Asia Pacific region has adapted well despite the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, we are witnessing an increase in international trade and e-commerce activities within this region due to improved logistics systems, enhanced international connectivity, and reduced trade barriers. We are confident that this expansion of DHL Express's air freight capacity will enhance connectivity for businesses in Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong through our global aviation network and contribute to the economic stimulation in each country.”

The economic growth within the Asia Pacific is showing signs of recovery and is expected to continue, partly due to the accelerated COVID-19 vaccination efforts in the region. Exports are anticipated to grow rapidly due to stronger supply chain networks and various policy initiatives in ASEAN, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which promotes integration among the economies of the region.

Moreover, e-commerce businesses in the Asia Pacific are experiencing relentless growth, projected to reach a value of $2 trillion by 2025, driven by widespread smartphone access and the adoption of digital technologies. International trade can now occur anytime, anywhere. Surveys indicate that nearly 75% of online shoppers in Hong Kong and 50% in Thailand purchase goods on foreign e-commerce platforms, while Vietnam is also witnessing cross-border e-commerce growth.

The new Boeing B737-800 aircraft added by DHL Express will operate routes between Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Hanoi, complementing the existing three cargo planes that currently service routes covering Hong Kong, Phnom Penh, Singapore, and Jakarta. The addition of this new aircraft and direct flight routes is part of an investment of nearly 60 million euros to strengthen the aviation network within the Asia Pacific. Additionally, the Boeing B737-800 can reduce carbon emissions by 15% compared to the classic Boeing B737.

“The pandemic has prompted consumers worldwide to increasingly turn to e-commerce, including those in the Asia Pacific, which is the most interconnected region according to the DHL Global Connectedness Index (GCI 2020). The expansion of international air freight capacity in Asia enables local businesses to reach customers within the region more effectively and fully capitalize on the rapid growth of e-commerce,” said Herbert Wongpusanaichai, Managing Director of DHL Express Thailand and Head of the Indochina region, covering Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos.

DHL Express provides international door-to-door express shipping services, delivering parcels and documents for businesses and individual customers. Currently, DHL Express operates 280 cargo aircraft worldwide, covering over 500 airports, and serves more than 2.7 million international customers, handling 286 million time-definite shipments annually across 220 countries. DHL Express has been operating in Thailand since 1973, with approximately 40 international flights per day from its hub at Suvarnabhumi Airport, one of DHL Express's regional cargo transport centers and a gateway to Indochina.