DHL Express has launched a new weekly air cargo service to Johannesburg, operating the first direct cargo flight between Bahrain and South Africa. The inaugural flight on the route, operated with a Boeing 767 freighter, arrived at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. The new connection will support the transportation of shipments between the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa across e-commerce, retail, technology and other sectors.
DHL Express Launches Weekly Boeing 767 Service
The new route will be operated once a week with a DHL Express B767/F freighter. The service aims to provide additional capacity for inbound and outbound shipments to South Africa and neighboring countries through the Johannesburg hub. The company stated that the investment will increase its capacity to handle heavier shipments, improve operational flexibility and strengthen connectivity across its Sub-Saharan Africa network.
The cargo capacity of the route, detailed flight schedule and expected shipment volumes have not been disclosed. Johannesburg is used as one of the company’s key hubs connecting South Africa and surrounding markets to its global network.
Cross-Border E-Commerce Demand Supports New Route
Anthony Beckley, Vice President of Operations and Aviation for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, stated that demand is increasing across the healthcare, technology, manufacturing and cross-border e-commerce sectors. Beckley noted that these industries require fast and reliable international logistics services.
The company also states that the new route reflects changes in global supply chains. As businesses expand their sourcing, manufacturing and customer markets beyond traditional trade corridors, the need for new air cargo connections is increasing. This capacity can be used particularly for e-commerce and retail shipments where fast delivery is important.
Bahrain Connects Africa to Global Markets
Richard Gale, Vice President of Aviation for DHL Express MENA, stated that the company operates a dedicated intra-regional air fleet in the Middle East and provides connections through Bahrain to global hubs such as Hong Kong, Leipzig and Cincinnati. The new Johannesburg route further expands this network between Africa, the Gulf and international markets.
Bahrain’s location between Africa, the Middle East and Asia is one of the key elements of the new service, while DHL Express aims for the route to provide businesses in South Africa and surrounding markets with greater connectivity to international markets.
Artificial Intelligence Plays a Greater Role in Logistics Operations
While e-commerce volumes are influencing the development of air cargo networks, the use of artificial intelligence and automation is also expanding across the logistics sector. In DHL’s current logistics initiatives, artificial intelligence stands out as one of the areas connecting digital commerce, booking and international logistics processes. The company recently signed an agreement with Alibaba.com to explore opportunities to integrate its logistics services into Accio, an AI-powered B2B commerce platform.