DHL Express launched a weekly direct cargo flight between Bahrain and Johannesburg using Boeing 767F. The new service must increase freight capacity for imports and exports to South Africa and neighbouring countries via the Johannesburg platform.

On 21 September DHL Express made the first direct flight between Bahrain International Airport and O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. The service is provided weekly by a Boeing 767F dedicated to freight transport.

It adds direct capacity between the Gulf and Southern Africa, while allowing goods to or from South Africa and neighbouring countries via the DHL network in Johannesburg.

This new link complements DHL Express's air network in sub-Saharan Africa and increases capacity for higher weight shipments.

The company states that the service responds to the evolution of trade flows between Africa, the Middle East and other international markets, in a context where some companies diversify their supplies, production sites and markets.

The health, technology, manufacturing and cross-border e-commerce sectors are among those likely to use these freight capacities.

Johannesburg is one of the main DHL Express platforms in sub-Saharan Africa. The new link connects this platform to the DHL network in the Middle East via Bahrain, which also serves several major international platforms, including Hong Kong, Leipzig and Cincinnati.

For flows to or from Southern Africa, this organization adds a direct link between the Gulf and Johannesburg, in addition to the other connections of the network.

According to DHL Express, the link is part of the evolution of trade between Africa and the Gulf countries. It comes after several recent investments by the group in its air capabilities and logistics infrastructure, particularly in Asia.

The company plans to continue adapting its airline network, air capabilities and platforms to meet the changing international freight flows.