DHL Express and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have renewed their crew and maintenance agreement covering five Boeing 777 freighters based at Singapore Changi Airport, extending a partnership that supports DHL’s intercontinental express network between Asia-Pacific and key markets in the United States.
Under the renewed agreement, SIA pilots will continue to operate the five freighters, while SIA engineers will remain responsible for their maintenance. The aircraft serve DHL’s South Asia Hub in Singapore and provide dedicated long-haul capacity for time-definite international shipments.
Five Boeing 777 Freighters Support Asia–US Trade
The five Boeing 777Fs entered service progressively from 2022 and form an important component of DHL Express’ intercontinental network.
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Each aircraft has a maximum payload capacity of up to 102 tonnes. Together, the five freighters provide more than 500 tonnes of payload capacity per flight cycle, supporting express and e-commerce shipments moving between Asia-Pacific and the Americas.
The aircraft operate in dual DHL-SIA livery and are based at Singapore’s South Asia Hub, strengthening the hub’s role in DHL’s Asia-Pacific network.
Travis Cobb, Executive Vice President for Network Operations and Aviation at DHL Express, said the renewal demonstrates the company’s continued investment in network capacity.
He added that the five Boeing 777 freighters have become an integral part of DHL’s intercontinental operation, supporting the movement of time-definite shipments and providing connectivity between businesses and international markets.
SIA Continues Crew and Maintenance Role
Singapore Airlines has been responsible for both flight operations and maintenance of the five aircraft since the partnership was established in 2022.
Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer at Singapore Airlines, said the renewed agreement reflects the continuity of the partnership and its role in supporting express air freight between Asia-Pacific and major global markets via Singapore.
The partnership combines SIA’s flight and engineering capabilities with DHL Express’ global logistics network, with both companies highlighting the importance of reliable air cargo capacity to international trade and the rapidly expanding e-commerce segment.
Changi Anchors DHL’s South Asia Hub
Singapore serves as a strategic operating base for DHL Express in the Asia-Pacific region. The company’s South Asia Hub near Changi Airport is part of its multi-hub strategy and handles shipments moving to and from markets across the region and beyond. DHL has previously highlighted upgrades to the hub’s screening and material-handling systems to accommodate growing volumes.
The five Boeing 777 freighters add dedicated capacity to this network while providing long-range connectivity between Asia and the United States. DHL has said the aircraft offer more than 1,200 tonnes of total payload capacity across their scheduled weekly operations.
The continuation of the agreement also extends a relationship that began in March 2022, when DHL Express and SIA first signed the crew and maintenance agreement for the five Boeing 777 freighters. The initial agreement was established for more than four years, with an option for extension.
With the renewed arrangement, DHL Express retains dedicated Boeing 777 freighter capacity at Changi while SIA continues to provide the pilots and engineering support required to operate and maintain the aircraft. The partnership further strengthens Singapore’s position within DHL’s long-haul air cargo network and supports the movement of time-sensitive trade between Asia-Pacific and the Americas.
