DHL, SIA renew agreement for five Boeing 777 freighters

DHL Express and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have renewed their crew and maintenance agreement covering five Boeing 777 freighters based at Singapore Changi Airport.

Under the renewed agreement, SIA pilots will continue to operate the five freighters, while SIA engineers will remain responsible for their maintenance. The aircraft support DHL’s intercontinental air network, linking its South Asia Hub in Singapore with key destinations across the United States.

“The renewal of this agreement underlines our commitment to building and investing in the network capacity that keeps global trade moving. These five Boeing 777 freighters have become an integral part of our intercontinental operations, helping our customers move time-definite shipments with speed and reliability. Singapore remains one of the world's leading air logistics hubs, and together with Singapore Airlines' proven operational expertise, gives us the strong foundation for enabling international trade and connecting businesses to global markets,” said Travis Cobb, Executive Vice President for Network Operations and Aviation, DHL Express.

The five Boeing 777 freighters, which entered service progressively from 2022, provide the reliable air cargo capacity needed to support time-sensitive cross-border trade. Each aircraft can carry up to 102 tonnes of cargo and is among the world’s largest, longest-range and most capable twin-engine freighters.

“The renewal of our agreement with DHL Express reflects the strength and continuity of our partnership, which has supported the movement of express air freight between the Asia-Pacific region and key global markets via Singapore since 2022. This partnership leverages SIA’s operational expertise and DHL Express' global logistics network to reinforce Singapore's role as a leading air freight hub, particularly in the e-commerce segment,” said Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer, Singapore Airlines.

With Singapore serving as the home base for the dual-liveried Boeing 777 freighters, the partnership expands DHL’s global aviation network while adding more long-haul cargo capacity at Changi. It also reflects both companies’ expectations for continued growth in international trade and the importance of reliable air connectivity to global supply chains.