German logistics provider strengthens regional presence with strategic gateway investments as Europe-Asia airfreight corridor grows
Rhenus Group plans to continue expanding its airfreight capabilities into Southeast Asia after setting up gateways in Singapore and Bangkok, Thailand this year.
Singapore and Bangkok are considered key trade hubs in the region and these new gateways complement Rhenus' existing gateway in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, plus help optimise cargo flows across Southeast Asia, connecting to global trade lanes, said the global logistics provider.
The strategic gateways strengthen the presence of Rhenus across key air cargo corridors, stressed Rhenus. Kuala Lumpur facilitates inbound cargo from Europe and outbound cargo to Oceania.
Singapore handles inbound cargo from Asia or Oceania, and outbound cargo to the Americas, while Bangkok manages outbound cargo to Europe and serves as a multimodal hub to enhance intra-Asia trade capabilities through regional airfreight and cross-border trucking.
Rhenus added that it is considering further investment in the region. "Looking ahead, Rhenus will continue to identify strategic investment opportunities in Southeast Asia and the overall APAC region, as part of its commitment to support and facilitate its customers globally."
Trade lanes between Asia and the rest of the world are seeing growth as manufacturers continue to invest in production in Southeast Asia, as part of the China+1 strategy.
According to IATA, airfreight volumes, as of September, saw the Europe/Asia corridor grow by 12.4% year on year, noted Rhenus.
This reflects a strategic shift in trade flows toward Southeast Asia as cities such as Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur become more important as key inbound and outbound hubs for European cargo, said Rhenus.
“Southeast Asia is a focus growth area for Air Freight in Rhenus," said Chris Bode, vice president global air freight, Rhenus Air & Ocean. "The gateways are at the centre of the company’s latest expansion plans, and go beyond delivering the global promise of reliable, customer-centric logistics solutions. They are designed with scalability in mind, and integrate the latest digital and sustainable logistics solutions, to give our global customers flexibility and efficiency."
The Singapore, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur gateways offer door-to-door services, customs clearance, cargo consolidation and other airfreight services. They feature smart logistics platforms, real-time tracking and digital documentation to streamline operations.
Sustainable logistics initiatives, such as electric vehicles, optimised routing and low-emission transport options, will be embedded across all three gateways. These gateways also have scope for phased expansions.
Joachim Hanssen, chief executive Asia Pacific, Rhenus Air & Ocean, said: “With recent global developments, including the China +1 strategy, more businesses are set to include the Southeast Asian region as an increasingly important piece of their global logistics plans.
"Rhenus has been and remains committed to support our customers in these fast-growing markets. We are confident that our strategic plans to grow our capabilities in this region, by enhancing resilience and operational agility, will position us as a preferred partner to meet evolving regional and global trade needs.”
