DHL Express and Singapore Airlines extend freighter partnership

FREIGHT giant DHL Express and Singapore Airlines have announced an extension of their Boeing 777 freighter partnership.

Under the renewed agreement, SIA pilots are to continue to operate five Boeing 777 freighters based at Singapore Changi Airport for DHL Express.

SIA will also be responsible for the maintenance of the aircraft, supporting reliable, time-definite express and e-commerce shipments.

The aircraft connect DHL’s South Asia Hub in Singapore with key destinations in the US, “strengthening air cargo links between the Asia-Pacific and global markets”.

“The renewal of this agreement underlines our commitment to building and investing in the network capacity that keeps global trade moving,” said Travis Cobb, executive vice president for network operations & aviation, DHL Express.

“These five Boeing 777 freighters have become an integral part of our intercontinental operations, helping our customers move time-definite shipments with speed and reliability."

Singapore Airlines chief commercial officer Lee Lik Hsin said the renewal of their agreement with DHL Express reflected “the strength and continuity of our partnership, which has supported the movement of express air freight between the Asia-Pacific region and key global markets via Singapore since 2022”.

“This partnership leverages SIA’s operational expertise and DHL Express' global logistics network to reinforce Singapore's role as a leading air freight hub, particularly in the e-commerce segment,” Mr Lee said.

The five Boeing 777 freighters provide reliable air capacity needed to support time-sensitive cross-border trade.

Each aircraft can carry up to 102 tonnes of cargo.

With Singapore as the home base for the dual-liveried Boeing 777 freighters, the partnership deepens DHL’s global aviation capabilities while anchoring more long-haul cargo capacity at Changi.

It is said to reflect both companies’ confidence in the long-term growth of international trade and the central role of reliable air connectivity in supporting global supply chains.