DHL Express strengthens Penang connectivity with additional capacity to support trade momentum
- Plying the Hong Kong-Penang route, the daily dedicated flight is now operated on a Boeing 767 freighter, offering an added capacity of 20 tons per flight
- The network upgrade aligns with Penang and Malaysia's robust trade trajectory, driven in part by tech and semiconductor sectors
The upgraded route will be served by a Boeing 767 freighter, replacing the previous Airbus A321, providing the network with an additional 20 tons of cargo capacity per flight.
Operating daily with its partner Raya Airways, DHL aims to support the rising demand for time-sensitive shipments from technology and semiconductor manufacturers in Malaysia's northern manufacturing hub. The Boeing 767 freighter will offer enhanced payload and range capabilities, accommodating more shipments and ensuring customers in Penang are better connected to their trading partners in Hong Kong and beyond.
"For decades, Penang has been an attractive destination for tech giants, and we are proud of our strong footprint and network that has contributed to that growth," said Peter Bardens, Senior Vice President for Network Operations & Aviation – Asia Pacific, DHL Express. "By introducing a larger aircraft and a daily schedule, we're not only increasing capacity but also reinforcing our dedication to connecting Asia's innovation hubs with the rest of the world. As trade lanes alter, we remain focused on maintaining our network's flexibility and agility to cater to changing customer needs."
This strategic enhancement reflects DHL's commitment to supporting Malaysia's growing role in global supply chains, particularly in the electronics and semiconductor sectors. The move comes as Penang continues to attract high-value investments and expand its footprint in the global tech ecosystem. The state recently recorded a significant manufacturing investment of approximately EUR2.56 billion (RM12.5 billion) in the first half of 2025, a 150% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
"The network enhancement aligns with findings from the DHL Global Connectedness Tracker 2025, which shows that Asia Pacific is increasingly playing a central role in global trade, despite geopolitical tensions and tariff disruptions. Intra-Asia trade continues to show momentum, with Malaysia being ranked among the top 10 fastest-growing trading nations globally in the first half of 2025," said Julian Neo, Country Manager, DHL Express, Malaysia.
"Our partnership with DHL Express has grown over the years through operational reliability and close collaboration. The introduction of the Boeing 767 further strengthens our support for Penang's expanding electrical and electronics industries, while enhancing Malaysia's connectivity to global markets. We look forward to continuing this partnership as we grow our capacity and serve the evolving needs of our customers," said Mohamad Najib Ishak, Group Managing Director, Raya Airways.
Malaysia's trade value growth underscores its resilience and rising importance in global supply chains, amid shifting trade dynamics. It is one of the 20 markets globally that DHL Group has identified with the highest growth potential. The recently concluded DHL GoTrade Summit 2025, held for the first time outside Germany in Kuala Lumpur, also underscores the logistics provider's commitment to elevating local enterprises and reinforcing Malaysia's position as a key player in the global marketplace.
Note to editor: Do visit recently published articles on DHL's Logistics of Things on trade:
- Malaysia takes the lead in an increasingly complex global trade environment
- Charting a bold path for MSMEs in a shifting trade landscape
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