In 2024, DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has significantly upgraded its Asia-Pacific infrastructure to address shifting trade dynamics and growing demand for faster, more reliable logistics. These advancements aim to boost regional connectivity and efficiency.
Ken Lee, CEO for Asia Pacific, DHL Express said, “Asia Pacific markets are facing significant growth boosted by diversification of global supply chains, structural tailwinds and e-commerce. 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.”
Let’s dive into the groundbreaking developments that DHL Express has made in 2024.
1. Singapore South Asia Hub Gets a High-Tech Upgrade
Playing an essential role in DHL Express’ multi-hub strategy for Asia Pacific, the South Asia Hub leverages Singapore’s position as a key logistics hub to serve shipments destined for Europe, Americas, Asia and Oceania. Upgrades to the Hub include the deployment of new X-ray screening machines that raise scanning capacity by close to 30% and enhancements made to the existing material handling system that increase sorting capacity by almost 40%.
The South Asia Hub located by Changi Airport is also home to 5 DHL-owned Boeing 777 freighters operated by Singapore Airlines (SIA) under a crew and maintenance agreements signed in March 2022, where SIA would operate and oversee the maintenance of the Boeing 777 aircraft sporting dual DHL-SIA livery. Emitting 18% less CO2 and enhanced fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor, the legendary Boeing 747-400, the Boeing 777 enhances DHL Express operations in line with the company's sustainability goals.
2. New Kuala Lumpur Gateway in Malaysia
In October 2024, DHL Express invested EUR60 million to open an expanded Kuala Lumpur Gateway to better support businesses exporting out of and importing into Malaysia, firmly supporting Malaysia’s prominence as a sourcing destination for electric and electronics manufacturing. The state-of-the-art facility is 3 times the size of its predecessor and the first of its kind in Southeast Asia equipped with a fully automated sorting system. It is also constructed in accordance with the DHL Group’s guidelines for carbon-neutral buildings, where solar panels and energy-efficient systems for water and electricity are installed across the complex.
3. Direct Flight from Hong Kong to Jakarta
Launched in September 2024, a new direct flight from Hong Kong to Jakarta was introduced to further improve transit time and customer service quality. Powered by the Boeing 737-800 freighter with a payload capacity of 20 tons, the dedicated flight will operate 4 times a week. Businesses and consumers in Indonesia stand to benefit from faster deliveries of their intra- Asia Pacific shipments and increased trade opportunities and connectivity with Asian partners.
Ahmad Mohamad, Senior Technical Advisor for DHL Express Indonesia said, “With Indonesia being a centre of manufacturing, the need for robust logistic services is vital. The service boosts the connectivity between Indonesia and the world."
4. Sydney-Hong Kong Dedicated Flight Route
To tackle the increasing demands of intra-Asia trade, the introduction of the dedicated flight from Sydney offers next-day delivery services to Mainland China, India, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam, upon shipment arrival in Hong Kong.
Phil Corcoran, Managing Director for DHL Express Oceania said, “More than ever, we are focused on network optimization to ensure our customers benefit from the robust demand of cross-border trade within the region. The launch of this Boeing 777 flight also marks DHL’s commitment to continuously improve trade flows.”
This direct flight replaces the current Hong Kong-Singapore-Sydney route to meet the rise in shipment volume between Hong Kong and Australia.
5. Adelaide’s Relocated Gateway in Australia
Relocated nearer to the Adelaide Airport, the enlarged Adelaide Gateway ground facility’s handling capacity has increased fourfold and accelerates transit times for outbound shipments to Asia Pacific, Europe and the UK by a day. It features 199 solar panels on the roof, generating an estimated 110 kWh per hour, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 120 tons each year.
The AU$32 million investment into the facility underscores DHL’s commitment to facilitating global trade for Australia while deepening its contributions to decarbonizing its business practices.
6. Newcastle’s Service Centre Expansion
DHL Express opened its AU$14 million service centre in Newcastle, Australia to support the future growth of local businesses in the global e-commerce market. The new service centre is more than 10 times larger than the previous facility, with a total floor space of 3,000 square metres, featuring 7 on-grade roller doors. It is the first direct load facility in Australia, with separate freight and customer access areas.
Phil Corcoran, Managing Director, DHL Express Oceania said, “The state of business in the Hunter and Newcastle region has only gone from strength to strength in recent years, thanks to the entrepreneurial local businesspeople, who have worked hard to take their products to international markets. Their determination and initiative in taking on new markets, supported by our commitment to help them succeed through the global DHL Express Network, will take their success to the next level.”
7. Christchurch Gateway in New Zealand
Conveniently located airside at the Christchurch International Airport, the new NZD42 million Christchurch gateway is DHL Express’ largest investment made in New Zealand to date and is a testament to the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting Kiwi businesses in the South Island to trade internationally. The new facility will be equipped with a line sorter conveyor system capable of processing up to 6,500 parcels per hour for inbound shipments and 5,600 parcels per hour for outbound shipments, along with high-speed X-ray screening capabilities.
Slated to open in 2026, the Christchurch Gateway will be the first 100% carbon neutral facility in the country, operating to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions over its entire lifecycle.
8. Hong Kong West Service Centre Opens
With an investment of HKD$1.5 billion, the new fully automated, eco-friendly DHL Express Hong Kong West Service Centre substantiates DHL’s long-term growth plan and infrastructural investments in Hong Kong. Featuring a fully automated sorting system, the new facility can handle over 50,000 shipments a day and doubles in sorting capacity compared to its predecessor.
As the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold-certified service centre in Hong Kong, the facility has incorporated sustainability from the design to operations to ensure the new facility is aligned with the company’s 2050 net-zero emissions mission.
9. DHL’s Strengthened Partnership with Japan Airlines
In the first quarter of 2024, DHL Express and Japan Airlines (JAL) signed a long-term contract to utilize Boeing 767-300 cargo aircraft owned by JAL. With this new partnership, both companies will build a sustainable and expanded air network connecting Japan, Seoul, Shanghai and Taipei to capture growing customer demand in the expanding international express and e-commerce shipping market in the East Asia region.
Tony Khan, President and Representative Director of DHL Express Japan said, "This new agreement with JAL is an important milestone for DHL as we continue to strengthen our air network between Japan and East Asia. By ensuring the stability of our air network, we can also provide a more flexible and stable response to shipment growth and demand changes, especially between China and Japan, which is one of the most important routes.”
10. India’s First Automatic Shipment Sorting Hub in New Delhi
According to the latest DHL Global Connectedness Tracker, India has had one of the largest increases in its share of world trade. Recognising the need to cater to the growing demand for logistics services, DHL Express invested and opened its first automatic shipment sorting hub in New Delhi, India. This investment tailors to local businesses’ desire to export seamlessly to foreign markets.
These transformative enhancements by DHL Express reinforce its commitment to addressing the evolving needs of businesses in the Asia-Pacific region. By investing in industry-leading technology, sustainable infrastructure, and strategic partnerships, DHL Express is better positioned than ever to help customers navigate geographic challenges and achieve faster, greener, and more reliable shipment solutions.
