DHL Global Forwarding is stepping up its network expansion across the Asia-Europe corridor by introducing new weekly services designed to boost air freight capacity between major logistics hubs. The company has launched dedicated flights linking Shanghai with Leipzig and Liège with Hong Kong, reinforcing cooperation between DHL Global Forwarding and DHL Express. This move is aimed at strengthening service offerings across one of the world’s busiest trade routes, as demand for reliable logistics solutions continues to rise.
With the rollout aligned to the summer aviation schedule, DHL Global Forwarding will deploy Boeing 777F aircraft on weekly rotations connecting Shanghai-Leipzig and Hong Kong-Liège. These routes are expected to deliver meaningful uplift for customers by increasing available air freight capacity and improving transit efficiency. The enhanced schedule is structured to ensure consistent cargo movement while supporting broader operational coordination across the group’s air network.
Leipzig has been selected as a primary gateway due to its established position as a central DHL Express aviation hub and its advanced handling infrastructure. Shipments arriving from Shanghai will be routed through Leipzig for onward distribution across Europe, aligning with DHL’s strategy of maximising hub efficiency to meet seasonal demand spikes. At the same time, the Liège-Hong Kong service will include a stopover in Tel Aviv, ensuring continuity of operations and maintaining stable air freight capacity for customers in the region. In collaboration with the airline partner, the service may also handle limited cargo loading or unloading at intermediate points, while return flights from Hong Kong will integrate directly into DHL’s European distribution system.
Beyond these new routes, DHL is preparing additional upgrades across its global air logistics network. The company is planning to expand transpacific uplift between South-East Asia and the United States later this year, further strengthening its intercontinental footprint. By aligning resources and leveraging shared capabilities between DHL Global Forwarding and DHL Express, the group is positioning itself to deliver enhanced flexibility, reliability, and increased air freight capacity across its supply chain solutions. This integrated approach underlines DHL’s focus on meeting evolving customer requirements while maintaining efficiency across key global trade lanes.
