In anticipation of increased demand for express services during the traditional end-of-year peak season, DHL Express is investing €100m (US$110m) in transportation and handling capacity to support its customers’ growth.
As part of the ongoing modernization of its airfreight fleet, DHL Express will deploy eight new Boeing 777 freighters. With an expected growth of 8.8% in 2024, worldwide e-commerce remains a driving force for volume growth while B2B shipment volume is gradually recovering. Despite ongoing uncertainties in the overall global economy, the company is adding aviation capacity and expanding its international parcel sorting and delivery networks to ensure a successful peak for customers.
Surge in demand
“DHL Express is committed to remaining the partner of choice during the busy end-of-year peak season, which is often the most commercially important and operationally challenging time for many of our customers,” explained John Pearson, CEO at DHL Express. “Our flexible international network combines high-quality service and reliable access to capacity, which allows businesses to react in real time to changes in consumer demand, supplemented by digital tools that help them to improve the customer experience and optimize pickup and final-mile delivery.
“With ongoing volatility in global freight markets and a continued strong flow of e-commerce volumes, we are expecting a healthy surge in demand for express services in the fourth quarter. We are making the necessary investments to maximize the resilience of our global network and make our customers successful during a demanding 2024 peak.”
Investment in aviation capacity
DHL’s investment in its aviation capacity in the fourth quarter of 2024 includes the introduction of additional large and medium wide-body aircraft and supplementary flights with existing aircraft, particularly on intercontinental routes. The company expects a high-level volume increase on the China outbound lane to the rest of the world during the upcoming peak season.
The company is investing in eight new Boeing 777 freight aircraft on trans-Pacific and intercontinental routes between Asia and Europe, boosting capacity on these key lanes and continuing DHL’s transition to lower-emission transportation with newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft.
The company has also invested in additional handling and sorting capacity in its ground network, including in its aviation facilities, to allow for more flexible flying schedules and the ability to reroute cargo in the event of heavy demand or supply chain disruption.