In anticipation of the upcoming e-commerce peak season where DHLExpress expects orders and sales to rise significantly, the world’sleading international express service provider has expanded itsairfreight capacity within Asia with a newly converted B737-800freighter. Operated by K-Mile Asia, a partner of DHL, the newaircraft offers a total gross payload of close to 140 tons weeklyas it travels six times a week from Hanoi to Hong Kong and Bangkokbefore making its return to Hanoi. This is a 30 percent increase incapacity carried previously by the Boeing B737-400SF freighter,enabling better preparation and response to the anticipated growthin shipment volumes in the coming months.
The expanded capacity and increased flight frequency from fiveto six times per week will equally enable businesses and consumersfrom the three markets to capitalize on the growth in tradeopportunities within Asia, as they benefit from quicker deliveriesand shorter transit times.
Commenting on the launch of the new flight, Ken Lee, CEO, DHLExpress Asia Pacific said, “Asia Pacific has remained resilientdespite the economic impact brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.In fact, we are seeing increased activity in cross-border trade ande-commerce within the region due to improved logistics, enhancedconnectedness as well as reduced trade barriers. With the expansionof our airfreight capacity, we are confident that we can providebusinesses in Thailand, Vietnam and Hong Kong with better access toother markets via our extensive global network and boost theireconomies 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 acrossthe region. Exports are also forecasted to grow at a rapid pace, as a result of stronger supplychain networks and ASEAN policy initiatives, such as the RegionalComprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), that promote regionaleconomic integration.
In addition, Asia Pacific’s e-commerce sales are showing nosigns of slowing down – reaching USD 2 trillion by 2025 – asmobile connectivity and a digital-savvy demographic propel digitaladoption. Making purchases from abroad has therefore becomeincreasingly ubiquitous. Almost 75 percent of online shoppersin Hong Kong and 50 percent in Thailand have made purchases on overseasplatforms. Similarly, Vietnam has also seen an acceleration in cross-bordere-commerce activities.
“As consumers get used to shopping online, businesses areequally making the leap to digital platforms to conduct their B2Btransactions, not to mention many of which are helmed by digitalnatives who have grown up in the age of the Internet,” said SeanWall, Executive Vice President, Network Operations & Aviation, DHLExpress Asia Pacific. “To tackle this surge in demand, we have beenactively finding opportunities to enhance our fleet, including theconversion of suitable passenger aircraft. Utilizing the B737-800will also help us reduce carbon emissions by 15 percent as comparedto the B737 Classic aircraft, which is one of the deciding factorsas we accelerate toward our climate-neutral logistics target.”
The new B737-800 aircraft connecting Bangkok, Hong Kong andHanoi joins three other aircraft in the fleet that concurrently andcollectively serve Hong Kong, Phnom Penh, Singapore and Jakarta. Itis also part of DHL Express’ commitment to bolster its Asia Pacificnetwork with the investment of close to EUR 60 million byintroducing new aircraft and direct routes.
