DHL Express has added a new direct flight route from Hong Kong to Jakarta, Indonesia, to enhance transit time and customer service.

The dedicated flight will operate four times a week, utilizing a B737-800 freighter and is scheduled to arrive in Jakarta at 8:00 a.m. local time.

DHL Express said this will significantly enhance the speed and reliability of intra-Asia Pacific deliveries for businesses and individuals in Indonesia.

With a payload capacity of 20 tons, the B737-800 freighter accommodates a wide range of shipments, from e-commerce packages to larger consignments.

It transports shipments originating from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines and Vietnam via the Central Asia Hub in Hong Kong.

DHL noted that the direct flight will strengthen its aviation network capabilities and provide customers in Hong Kong with shorter transit times and efficient logistics experience as it responds to a growing demand for cargo volume.

"Adding new direct flights from Hong Kong to Indonesia represents a significant step in enhancing our aviation network. This strategy strengthens our connectivity in the Asia Pacific and underscores our commitment to providing faster, more efficient service for our customers," said Andy Chiang, senior vice president and managing director of DHL Express Hong Kong and Macau.

"By connecting these key Asian economic hubs closer, we are poised to meet the growing demand for seamless and reliable logistics solutions in the region, driving growth and fostering stronger business relationships," he added.

DHL noted that ASEAN is Hong Kong's second-largest trading partner globally.

In 2022, Indonesia was Hong Kong's sixth largest trading partner among ASEAN members, with bilateral trade reaching US$5.7 billion.

In 2023, Hong Kong and Indonesia signed 15 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) covering finance, trade, and logistics, which are set to boost trade ties between the two markets.

The logistics giant noted that Indonesia's import value in July 2024 increased by 11.07% compared to July 2023, driven by non-oil and gas commodities, as well as machinery and mechanical appliances which originated from Asia Pacific countries.

Indonesia's manufacturing sector, it added, has also historically played a key role in the country's economic development and now contributes to 20% of nation’s GDP, with majority of businesses located in Java island.

Indonesia is expected to become a major global manufacturing hub in 2030.

"According to the Global Connectedness Report 2024, it can be seen that most trade flows to Indonesia come from Asia Pacific economies," DHL said in the announcement.

It added that the new dedicated flight mirrors DHL Express's efforts to enhance connectivity between Indonesia and the region.

DHL Express operates 710 flights per day across the Asia-Pacific region.

In April 2024, DHL Express replaced the Hong Kong-Singapore-Sydney route with a direct flight between Hong Kong and Sydney in a strategic move to meet Oceania-north Asia trade demand.