DHL Express has completed the first direct DHL flight between Bahrain and South Africa with the launch of a weekly Boeing 767 freighter service between Bahrain International and O. R. Tambo International in Johannesburg.
The route reinforces DHL’s continued investment in strengthening Sub-Saharan Africa network connectivity, expanding heavier-weight capability, improving flexibility and supporting growing trade flows between the Middle East and Africa, said the company.
This route provides greater inbound and outbound capacity for South Africa and neighbouring countries through the DHL Johannesburg Hub, one of the company’s key gateways on the continent.
South Africa is one of DHL’s “Geographic Tailwinds” markets, reflecting its growing role in global trade flows and its potential to drive future trade growth.
The investment also reflects shifting global supply chains, as companies diversify sourcing, manufacturing and customer markets beyond traditional corridors, pointed out DHL.
It added that Bahrain’s position as a gateway between Africa, the Gulf and Asia makes it an important link for businesses seeking faster access to international markets.
“Every new connection we introduce is designed with our customers in mind. As global trade routes diversify and economic ties between Africa and the Middle East continue to strengthen, we are seeing powerful geographical tailwinds creating new opportunities for businesses,” said Anthony Beckley, vice president of operations and aviation for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Demand is growing across sectors such as healthcare, technology, manufacturing and cross-border e-commerce, all of which rely on fast, reliable international logistics.
“While this first direct DHL flight between Bahrain and South Africa is a significant network milestone, its real value lies in the opportunities it creates for customers.”
Richard Gale, vice president of aviation, DHL Express MENA, added: “DHL Express is the only logistics provider operating a dedicated intra-regional air fleet across the Middle East, connecting customers through Bahrain with major global gateways including Hong Kong, Leipzig and Cincinnati.
“Bahrain’s position at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East makes it an ideal hub for customers seeking faster, more reliable access across these growing trade corridors. We are pleased to add this direct Johannesburg connection as economic ties between Africa and the Gulf deepen.”
Last month, DHL Express expanded its presence in Shenzhen and added a new China-Southeast Asia-Europe flight as part of efforts to capitalise on fast-growing data centre and pharma demand.
