AIR CARG O WEEK


E-COMMERCE


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DHL SEES ASIA-LED E-COMMERCE DEMAND RESHAPING AIR CARGO NETWORKS


BY Anastasiya SIMSEK


S 08


“Compliance complexity is increasingly a gating factor.”


hifting trade flows, regional infrastructure investment, and digital platforms are redefining how integrators manage capacity


Express EVP Global Operations and Aviation Travis Cobb and DHL eCommerce Chief Commercial Officer Ryan Hunter.


Asia-Pacific dominance, emerging lanes Asia-Pacific


remains the epicentre of cross-border e-commerce


growth, with China still the single strongest market for DHL’s express network. Cobb noted that “most of the demand is routed primarily across the Transpacific to the Americas”, but added that Southeast Asia is now showing “significant growth… indicating that the dynamics in this region are shifting and presenting new business opportunities”. India is also becoming an increasingly important origin for express


shipments, particularly on Europe–US flows. This geographic spread is influencing how DHL deploys capacity and configures routes. “This demonstrates how our global networks are adapting to meet the growing demands and trends in the region,” Cobb said. The company’s approach combines expanded air and ground networks


with route optimisation through advanced analytics, backed by investment in automated hub operations. “We have implemented flexible capacity solutions to manage peak demand and enhanced our IT landscape to meet the changing customs and regulatory requirements,” Cobb explained.


Peak season readiness and compliance pressures For Q4 – when e-commerce volumes spike around Black Friday and Christmas – DHL leans on what Cobb called “the inherent flexibility of our Express network”. This includes scaling operations in line with demand forecasts, preparing hubs and ground handling for additional volumes, and working with local partners to strengthen delivery performance. Predictive analytics is central to that preparation, allowing the business to “anticipate demand spikes” and deploy resources accordingly. But scaling is not limited to aircraft or vehicles; compliance


complexity is increasingly a gating factor. Hunter pointed to last-mile and cross-border challenges that vary sharply by market. “Especially in the wake of regulatory changes like Brexit or when entering new SME markets, we see unique hurdles in the different regions,” he said. One example is the post-Brexit shift for many UK shippers from UK–


EU to EU–EU flows, requiring “agile solution development and close customer collaboration”. In Italy, entry into the SME e-commerce segment meant forging new partnerships – including with Poste Italiane – to integrate networks while maintaining regulatory compliance. To manage these differences, DHL focuses on “customer-centricity,


agility, and strong partnerships”, Hunter said. The company positions itself as a “trusted advisor”, co-developing solutions and using an asset-light model to remain flexible. “Ultimately, our ability to adapt quickly and collaborate across the DHL network allows us to stay ahead of compliance issues and deliver seamless last-mile experiences.”


Infrastructure for scale Beyond network flexibility, DHL is investing in region-specific facilities


ACW18 AUGUST 2025 www.aircargoweek.com


for e-commerce fulfilment, according to DHL


to consolidate volumes and shorten delivery times. In Poland, it has opened one of Europe’s largest logistics centres near Poznań, capable of handling up to 1 million parcels per day at peak. The site integrates DHL eCommerce, Post & Parcel Germany and DHL Freight operations, connecting multiple product lines under one roof. Sustainability features include electric transport solutions and an on-site photovoltaic system. In the UK, a new parcel hub near Coventry supports both domestic


and international e-commerce flows, while in Spain and Portugal, DHL is modernising Madrid and Barcelona hubs to better handle the lighter shipments now common in B2B e-commerce. Hunter said these investments are designed around regional demand


profiles. “The solutions are tailored to the respective region,” he stressed, with capacity and technology configured for local market needs as much as for global network integration.


Digital orchestration of high-volume, low-


weight cargo The shift toward lighter, higher-volume e-commerce consignments is placing greater emphasis on system-level integration. “Digital platforms and booking systems are crucial for managing high-volume, low-weight cargo,” Hunter said. Automated API-based data exchange between customers and DHL’s systems reduces manual errors, accelerates processing, and provides scalability during demand surges. Real-time visibility and streamlined order management are also


critical for customer experience. “By focusing on user experience, they allow customers to easily place orders and manage shipments, ensuring satisfaction and efficiency in a fast-paced environment,” Hunter added. Cobb emphasised that capacity planning for e-commerce cannot


rely on historical patterns alone. Forecasting incorporates statistical algorithms and external factors such as major retail events, promotional periods, and input from key customers. “Our final capacity plan is designed to accommodate some volatility… This allows us the flexibility to scale up our supply quickly as needed.”


Sustainability under scrutiny e-commerce logistics faces growing environmental scrutiny, particularly in high-return sectors such as fashion. “One of the key challenges we face, especially in the garment sector, is the increasing carbon emissions from returns and inefficient routing from production to the end consumer,” Cobb said. Packaging waste is another pressure point. DHL Express is investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), electrifying


its ground network, and converting warehouses to carbon-neutral operation. Packaging made from recycled materials is being trialled, with an emphasis on reusability. Cobb stressed that operational planning aims to “ensure the optimal use of aircraft and vehicles to maximise load factors” – a measure that directly reduces emissions per shipment. Looking ahead, Hunter sees automation, AI and drones as likely


to shape e-commerce air cargo’s next evolution. “Automation will streamline operations, enhancing speed and efficiency. AI will optimise logistics and personalise customer experiences. And drones could revolutionise last-mile delivery,” he said.


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