DHL flies in 727 freighters

The new aircraft will initially service its busiest routes between Dubai, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

"These are the first and the only 727s servicing the Middle East express and logistics sector, further underlining DHL's commitment to being easy to do business with," said David Wild, General Manager, DHL UAE.

"The new freighters give DHL a 300-percent increase in capacity - up from 6 tonnes to 24 tonnes - which is a significant development and a reflection of the demand for logistic services in the region particularly between Dubai, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

"With increased capacity and frequency of flights, our customers will benefit from an improved and more flexible service, further solidifying DHL's market leadership in the region."

DHL UAE's new 727 freighters replace its existing CV-580s that were its main cargo carriers for the Middle East. DHL will operate six daily flights a week with the new 727 freighters.

DHL in the Middle East attributes one of its key elements of growth and success to its status as the only logistics and express company to have its own dedicated fleet of aircraft.

This fleet is headquartered in Bahrain and consists of seven aircraft along with an extensive land transport network that includes heavy vehicle facilities.

"Having our own air and road fleet has been a major factor in our key logistics contract wins and this has ensured our growth and success in the region," said Wild.

Last month, DHL launched weekly trucking services to Yemen and Istanbul, following successful trials. The two new road express routes are in response to demand for Yemen emanating from the oil and gas sector while demand for Istanbul has come from cross-sector companies.