DHL expands West African air network with two new Boeing 737-400 aircraft

28 Jan 2026

DHL Aviation has unveiled two fully branded Boeing 737-400 aircraft at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, in a move aimed at strengthening its logistics infrastructure across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The announcement was made on 20 January 2026.

The additional aircraft will enhance transit times, improve delivery predictability, and expand DHL’s reach to support businesses across West Africa and beyond.

As the only integrator with a dedicated air network in Sub-Saharan Africa, DHL is scaling its aviation capacity to meet growing demand from key sectors, including e-commerce, perishables, energy, and life sciences & healthcare.

“As trade expands across Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area, businesses are demanding predictable transit times and consistent delivery performance.

The two dedicated aircraft will be integrated into DHL Aviation’s African air network, strengthening connections on critical Africa-Europe and Africa-Asia trade lanes,” said Anthony Beckley, VP Operations and Aviation, DHL Express SSA.

DHL’s investment in aviation capacity complements its broader commitment to sustainable growth, including AI-enabled route optimisation, digital customs tools, and pilot projects in renewable energy and alternative fuels.

“With this latest investment, DHL Express reaffirms its position as the logistics partner of choice for businesses seeking to grow their presence in regional and global value chains,” added Riaan Vorster, Aviation Senior Director, DHL Aviation SSA.

This strategic expansion signals DHL’s intent to support the growing volume of trade in West Africa while enhancibng reliability and efficiency across its air logistics operations.