Thailand Freight Forwarding Services
Air & Sea Freight Between Thailand and the UK

Singapore Airlines to continue operating 777Fs for DHL out of Changi

Singapore Airlines will continue to operate five 777 freighters out of Singapore Changi Airport for DHL Express after the companies renewed their existing agreement. Under the renewed crew and maintenance agreement, Singapore Airlines pilots will continue to operate the dual-liveried 777Fs, while the airline's engineers will oversee their maintenance. The aircraft, which entered service progressively from 2022, connect DHL's South Asia Hub at Changi with key destinations in the US. They can each carry up to 102 tonnes of cargo and currently support demand for goods including time-definite express and e-commerce. Travis Cobb, executive vice president for network operations and aviation, DHL Express, said: "The renewal of this agreement underlines our commitment to building and investing in the network capacity that keeps global trade moving. "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 remains one of the world's leading air logistics hubs, and together with Singapore Airlines' proven operational expertise, gives us the strong foundation for enabling international trade and connecting businesses to global markets." Lee Lik Hsin, chief commercial officer, Singapore Airlines, commented: "The renewal of our agreement with DHL Express reflects 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." DHL Global Forwarding recently announced it would establish a dedicated healthcare logistics facility at Changi to strengthen its capabilities for handling high-value, time-sensitive and temperature-controlled healthcare and life sciences cargo.

SATS tests autonomous vehicles to speed up Changi handler operations

SATS Cargo is now using Autonomous Cargo Vehicles (ACVs) to accelerate cargo movements for freight forwarders and cargo agents within the Changi Airfreight Centre at Singapore Changi Airport. The ACVs are part of a new integrated transport service to move cargo between SATS' airfreight terminals and freight forwarders' warehouses within the Changi Airfreight Centre, which is within a free trade zone. SATS said the service is currently being validated under live operating conditions as it progresses towards full deployment. The ACV model used in the pilot can transport up to 800 kg of cargo and automate routine point-to-point movements between SATS' airfreight terminals and freight forwarders' warehouses. As demand grows, the solution can be scaled through the deployment of higher capacity ACV models capable of carrying up to 1,500 kg as well as the potential to support round-the-clock operations, explained SATS. By shifting routine cargo movements towards an on-demand, scalable model, ACVs are anticipated to help accelerate cargo collection and delivery while reducing reliance on truck and driver schedules. Henry Low, chief executive, SATS SG Hub, said: "Autonomous transportation allows us to rethink how cargo moves through the airport ecosystem -- shifting routine movements towards an on-demand, scalable model. "By integrating it into our operations, we can unlock capacity, strengthen resilience and augment the capabilities of our people, while delivering greater speed and reliability for our customers. "This is how we are building a more intelligent and responsive Singapore air cargo hub for the future." SATS worked closely with Changi Airport Group to deploy and validate the ACVs within the airport's autonomous vehicle operational and safety framework. The collaboration enables new technology to be tested and progressively integrated into live cargo operations while meeting the safety and operational requirements of the Changi air cargo ecosystem, noted SATS. As fully electric vehicles, the ACVs also support the transition towards more sustainable cargo transportation within the airport environment. The initiative forms part of SATS Singapore Hub's Hub Handler of the Future programme, announced in October 2025, which aims to increase capacity, improve visibility and strengthen operational resilience.

DHL Express begins direct Bahrain-South Africa flights

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.