DHL Express recently added two new Boeing 767-300Fs to its MENA air fleet, marking a further step in the company's efforts to enhance its regional aviation network and improve its air capability to better support the region's logistical demands. The technologically-advanced, energy-efficient planes, which are based out of the company's regional aviation headquarters here, will enable DHL greater operational efficiency and capacities to meet the surge in customer demands. The new aircraft will increase DHL's overall load capacity by more than 25%, servicing existing high-demand lanes across the GCC, extended Middle East, Africa & Indian Subcontinent which house some of DHL's key commercial partners. "Investments in strengthening our MENA air network continue to form part of our wider strategy to enhance our capabilities in this region and better service high demand destinations with greater speed, reliability and efficiency, ultimately improving service excellence which lies at the heart of DHL's business model. "In the past 6 years, in addition to almost doubling DHL's Aviation touch points and boosting international flights to over 175 per week, we have consistently increased load capacities to vital trade links such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Lebanon, Jordan, East Africa and on our Asian lanes amongst others, to support the growing logistics needs of our clients for better cross-regional and global connectivity," commented Richard Gale, head of DHL Aviation Middle East and Africa. "eCommerce is a key business driver for us and keeping on top of the shifts in world trade and how we adapt is very important. We are continually analyzing our network and adding air capacity to capitalize on the increased activity between Asia, the Middle East and Africa which are vital trade hubs for our regional clients," added Gale. The two new Boeings will complement DHL's existing fleet of 767-200SFs operating in the region, bringing its total fleet size to 8 aircraft, while helping to significantly improve fuel efficiency and decrease CO2 emissions. "One of our main criteria when deciding to add new planes to our DHL fleet, is to reduce our environmental impact; this supports our global vision and GoGreen targets to become the first zero emissions logistics company by 2050, an ambitious journey that is already being implemented across key operational verticals through clean transport solutions and greener supply chains. "We are continuously upgrading our fleet with larger more fuel and energy efficient planes and the new Boeings are considered amongst the most cost efficient aircraft available today in the regional freighter industry," stated Gale. — SG
