DHL begins new Phnom Penh-Bangkok service with K-Mile

by Payload Asia

DHL Express has launched a new flight service between Phnom Penh and Bangkok, one of its hubs in Asia Pacific. This express freighter service, the first operating to and from Phnom Penh, adds to the existing DHL Express flights between its hubs in Bangkok and Singapore, extending the Cambodian capital’s trade ties to more markets globally.

Operated by K-Mile Air – in which Dublin-based ASL Aviation Group holds a 45 per cent stake – the service runs five times a week using a B737-400F freighter with a gross payload of 19 tonnes. The new route will help meet rising import and export demands in Cambodia, especially in high-growth industries such as garment and construction.

“This new flight is another step towards unlocking Cambodia’s vast potential for trade in Southeast Asia. Trade between Cambodia and Thailand reached US$5.1 billion in 2015, and the country also imported $1.05 billion worth of goods from Singapore in 2014,” noted Ken Lee, CEO of DHL Express Asia Pacific.

“By improving inbound and outbound capacities from markets like Thailand and Singapore where our hubs are located, we are confident that this new flight will further develop Cambodia’s market. With our extensive air network, this dedicated service will enhance the country’s global connectivity and trade relations.”

With the new scheduled services between Phnom Penh and Bangkok, the new DHL service gives Cambodian exporters constant access to its global network spanning 220 countries and territories. Bangkok is one of four hubs for DHL Express in Asia Pacific –which collectively utilise 20 Intra-Asia dedicated aircraft and 820 daily flights to move customer goods around the world.

DHL to spur Cambodian trade with new Phnom Penh-Bangkok service

Cambodia’s economy expanded approximately 7.0 per cent in 2015 and its logistics capabilities are also growing. Between 2010 and 2016, the country rose 56 places in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index to 73rd place. The transformation was largely driven by the Trade Related Assistance in Cambodia programme, which focused on customs and border reforms to establish linkages with its partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The programme has improved logistics and trade flow between Cambodia and regional markets.

“Cambodia is fast becoming an important trading player in Southeast Asia and the demand for movement of goods will grow in tandem,” said Sean Wall, executive VP, network operations and aviation, DHL Express Asia Pacific. “Our latest service is good news for businesses in Cambodia, offering them the capacity, frequency, and seamless export capabilities they need to reach more customers in new markets. It also underscores our on-going commitment to continuously strengthen our network and connectivity to provide more efficient routes for customers.”