DHL Aviation is turbocharging Africa’s air cargo network. With two new Boeing 737-400 freighters now joining its fleet, the integrator is set to accelerate intra-continental trade and strengthen vital links to Europe and Asia. Designed to meet surging demand from e-commerce, perishables, energy, and healthcare sectors, the narrowbody freighters offer faster transit times, reliable delivery, and strategic connectivity for West African businesses aiming to scale regionally and globally. The expansion comes as part of DHL’s broader €300 million investment in Sub-Saharan Africa, underlining its commitment to transforming the region into a hub for efficient, predictable, and high-value logistics.
DHL Aviation has strengthened its air cargo footprint in Sub-Saharan Africa with the addition of two Boeing 737-400 freighters, enhancing intra-continental capacity and reinforcing critical connections to Europe and Asia. The move underscores DHL’s commitment to supporting growing demand across e-commerce, perishables, energy, and life sciences & healthcare sectors within Africa and on international trade lanes.
The newly introduced narrowbody freighters each offer a payload capacity of just over 20 tonnes and a range of approximately 2,000 nautical miles (3,700 km), providing faster transit times and improved delivery predictability for African businesses. By integrating the aircraft into its existing network, DHL aims to extend reach across West Africa while maintaining seamless connectivity to global markets.
Anthony Beckley, Vice President of Operations and Aviation at DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, said: “As trade accelerates under the African Continental Free Trade Area, businesses require predictable transit times and consistent delivery performance. These two dedicated aircraft will enhance our network, strengthening critical Africa-Europe and Africa-Asia trade lanes and supporting regional economic growth.”
Riaan Vorster, Aviation Senior Director for DHL SSA, added: “With this latest investment, DHL Express reaffirms its position as the logistics partner of choice for companies seeking to expand their presence in regional and global value chains. Reliable air capacity is essential for sectors like healthcare, energy, and e-commerce, and these aircraft directly address those needs.”
The aircraft were officially unveiled at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria, highlighting DHL’s continued investment in African infrastructure. Last year, DHL announced a €300 million investment across Sub-Saharan Africa to expand express, forwarding, and supply chain capabilities, enhancing service levels and enabling new opportunities across high-growth sectors.
By deploying modern freighter assets strategically, DHL positions itself to meet the rising demand for rapid, reliable air logistics across Africa while supporting the continent’s integration into global trade networks.
