- Newly converted Boeing aircraft offers 30 percent increase in gross payload for customers in Bangkok, Hanoi and Hong Kong
- Expanded airfreight capacity to support growth in cross-border trade and e-commerce sales within Asia Pacific
In anticipation of the upcoming e-commerce peak season where DHL Express expects orders and sales to rise significantly, the world’s leading international express service provider has expanded its airfreight capacity within Asia with a newly converted B737-800 freighter. Operated by K-Mile Asia, a partner of DHL, the new aircraft offers a total gross payload of close to 140 tons weekly as it travels six times a week from Hanoi to Hong Kong and Bangkok before making its return to Hanoi. This is a 30 percent increase in capacity carried previously by the Boeing B737-400SF freighter, enabling better preparation and response to the anticipated growth in shipment volumes in the coming months.
The expanded capacity and increased flight frequency from five to six times per week will equally enable businesses and consumers from the three markets to capitalize on the growth in trade opportunities within Asia, as they benefit from quicker deliveries and shorter transit times.
Commenting on the launch of the new flight, Ken Lee, CEO, DHL Express Asia Pacific said, “Asia Pacific has remained resilient despite the economic impact brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, we are seeing increased activity in cross-border trade and e-commerce within the region due to improved logistics, enhanced connectedness as well as reduced trade barriers. With the expansion of our airfreight capacity, we are confident that we can provide businesses in Thailand, Vietnam and Hong Kong with better access to other markets via our extensive global network and boost their economies in the process.”
Economic growth in Asia Pacific has shown signs of rebound and is set to continue, driven in part by a progressive rollout of COVID-19 vaccines across the region. Exports are also forecasted to grow at a rapid pace, as a result of stronger supply chain networks and ASEAN policy initiatives, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), that promote regional economic integration.
In addition, Asia Pacific’s e-commerce sales are showing no signs of slowing down – reaching USD2 trillion by 2025 – as mobile connectivity and a digital-savvy demographic propel digital adoption. Making purchases from abroad has therefore become increasingly ubiquitous. Almost 75 percent of online shoppers in Hong Kong and 50 percent in Thailand have made purchases on overseas platforms. Similarly, Vietnam has also seen an acceleration in cross-border e-commerce activities.
The new B737-800 aircraft connecting Bangkok, Hong Kong and Hanoi joins three other aircraft in the fleet that concurrently and collectively serve Hong Kong, Phnom Penh, Singapore and Jakarta. It is also part of DHL Express’ commitment to bolster its Asia Pacific network with the investment of close to EUR 60 million by introducing new aircraft and direct routes. Additionally, utilizing the B737-800 reduces carbon emissions by 15 percent as compared to the B737 Classic aircraft.
“The pandemic has accelerated e-commerce adoption around the world, including Asia Pacific, a star of global connectedness, according to the DHL Global Connectedness Index (GCI 2020). The added intra-Asia airfreight capacity helps local businesses extend their reach to more customers within the region and make the most out of the exponential e-commerce growth,” commented Herbert Vongpusanachai, Managing Director, DHL Express and Head of Indochina covering Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos.
DHL Express provides international door-to-door express pick-up and delivery services for parcels and documents for business and individual customers. Currently, DHL Express has more than 280 dedicated aircraft globally, connecting over 500 airports, delivering 286 million Time Definite Shipments annually for 2.7 million customers in over 220 countries and territories worldwide. In Thailand, DHL Express has operated since 1973, with approximately 40 daily flights to and from Bangkok Hub, Suvarnabhumi Airport, one of DHL Express’ regional hub and a gateway to Indochina.
– End –
Note to editor:
In November 2020, DHL Express announced that it will spend close to EUR 750 million to enhance its ground infrastructure and air network. This is followed by two announcements made in April and May 2021:
- DHL Express adds airfreight capacity to its Asia Pacific network
- DHL Express dedicates flights to Ho Chi Minh City and Penang amidst demand surge
You may also wish to take a look at this article in our content hub, Logistics of Things, that summarizes how the Asia Pacific region performed in DHL Global Connectedness Index 2020 report: The State of Globalization in… Asia Pacific