DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist of DHL Group, has officially expanded its dedicated air cargo capacity between Asia and Europe. By leveraging the existing DHL Aviation and Express networks, the division is launching new weekly freighter flights to provide exclusive capacity and enhanced reliability on these high-demand strategic trade lanes.
The expansion coincides with the start of the 2026 summer aviation schedule, utilizing Boeing 777F aircraft to bridge major logistics hubs in China and Europe.
New Strategic Air Corridors
The new service focuses on two primary rotations designed to maximize speed and distribution efficiency across the European continent.
- Shanghai – Leipzig: Leveraging Leipzig’s role as a central DHL Express hub, this route provides a massive gateway for mainland Chinese exports into the heart of Europe.
- Liège – Hong Kong: This rotation includes a strategic stopover in Tel Aviv to maintain service continuity and market support. The return leg from Hong Kong feeds directly back into DHL’s European distribution network via Liège.
Henk Venema, Global Head of Air Freight at DHL Global Forwarding, noted: “The demand on that trade lane continues to grow at an exceptional pace, and strengthening our network ensures that we stay ahead of customer needs.”
Cross-Divisional Synergy for Resilience
A key highlight of this expansion is the “One DHL” approach—a collaboration between DHL Global Forwarding and DHL Express. By sharing assets and operational infrastructure, the Group can offer:
- Controlled Capacity: Moving away from a total reliance on commercial belly-hold space, ensuring customers have guaranteed uplift even during peak season surges.
- Operational Flexibility: The ability to accommodate limited cargo loading/offloading at stopover points like Tel Aviv based on real-time demand.
- Seamless Onward Distribution: Shipments arriving in Leipzig or Liège are immediately integrated into DHL’s extensive road and rail networks for final-mile delivery.
Global Outlook: Transpacific Expansion
The Asia–Europe expansion is just the first phase of DHL’s 2026 network strategy. The Group has confirmed plans to increase transpacific uplift between Southeast Asia and the United States later this year to support growing manufacturing shifts in the ASEAN region.
Travis Cobb, EVP Global Operations and Aviation at DHL Express, emphasized that this cross-divisional lever demonstrates a commitment to supporting global trade flows by “joining forces” to deliver integrated solutions.
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