DHL Global Forwarding strengthens network to “stay ahead of customer needs”
DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist of DHL Group, is expanding its dedicated air capacity between Asia and Europe with the launch of new weekly flights connecting key logistics hubs Shanghai-Leipzig and Liège-Hong Kong. The new service strengthens DHL’s cross‑business collaboration between DHL Global Forwarding and DHL Express, further enhancing the Group’s ability to serve the rapidly growing Asia-Europe trade lanes.
With the start of the summer aviation schedule, DHL Global Forwarding will operate weekly Boeing 777F rotations connecting Shanghai-Leipzig and Hong Kong-Liège, with onward distribution across Europe. The flights will offer substantial uplift for DHL Global Forwarding customers.
“Expanding our controlled capacity on the Asia-Europe corridor reinforces our commitment to reliability, speed, and resilience for our customers,” said Henk Venema, Global Head of Air Freight DHL Global Forwarding. “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.”
Strengthening DHL’s Asia-Europe air freight capacities
Leipzig, chosen due to its central role as a major DHL Express aviation hub and its strong infrastructure for operational processing, will serve as a key gateway for shipments arriving from Shanghai. The connection supports DHL’s broader strategy of leveraging its European hubs to maximize efficiency and meet demand surges, especially during peak seasons.
The Liège-Hong Kong connection will have a stopover in Tel Aviv, playing a key role in supporting the market, ensuring reliable and continued service for customers. In cooperation with the operating airline partner, the flight may also accommodate limited cargo loading or offloading when required. The return leg from Hong Kong will feed directly into DHL’s European distribution network.
Deploying cross‑divisional levers to strengthen value for DHL customers
In addition to the new Asia-Europe capacities, DHL is preparing further enhancements across its intercontinental air network. Plans include increased transpacific uplift between South-East Asia and the United States later this year.
“This cross-divisional collaboration demonstrates our commitment to supporting global trade flows,” said Travis Cobb, EVP Global Operations and Aviation DHL Express. “By joining forces across DHL Global Forwarding and DHL Express, we ensure that customers benefit from our combined strength as the world’s leading logistics provider.”
Offering additional flight capacities, DHL Global Forwarding and DHL Express closely align to provide customers with greater reliability, flexibility, and global reach across the supply chain. By leveraging shared assets and operational strengths within DHL, the divisions once again deliver integrated solutions that complement each other.
