DHL Express and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have renewed their crew and maintenance agreement for five Boeing 777 freighters based at Singapore Changi Airport. Under the deal, SIA pilots will continue to fly the aircraft and SIA engineers will continue to maintain them.
The five freighters form part of DHL’s intercontinental air network, linking its South Asia Hub in Singapore with key destinations in the United States. The partnership has been in place since 2022.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Partners: DHL Express and Singapore Airlines (SIA)
- Agreement: Renewal of the crew and maintenance agreement
- Aircraft: Five dual-liveried Boeing 777 freighters
- Home base: Singapore Changi Airport
- Route focus: DHL’s South Asia Hub in Singapore to key US destinations
- Capacity: Up to 102 tons of cargo per aircraft
- Partnership since: 2022
What the Renewed Agreement Covers
The agreement keeps the same split of responsibilities. SIA pilots operate the five Boeing 777 freighters, and SIA engineers oversee their maintenance. DHL Express uses the aircraft within its global express network.
The renewal was marked in Singapore by Travis Cobb, Executive Vice President for Network Operations and Aviation at DHL Express, and Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer at Singapore Airlines.
Boeing 777 Freighters: Built for Long-Haul Express Cargo
The five Boeing 777 freighters entered service progressively from 2022. They provide the reliable air capacity needed for time-sensitive cross-border trade.
Each aircraft can carry up to 102 tons of cargo. The Boeing 777 freighter is among the world’s largest, longest-range and most capable twin-engine freighters.
Connecting Singapore With the United States
The freighters support DHL’s intercontinental air network, connecting its South Asia Hub in Singapore with key US destinations. They help customers move time-definite shipments quickly and reliably.
What DHL Express and Singapore Airlines Said
Travis Cobb, DHL Express
“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.”
Cobb added that Singapore remains one of the world’s leading air logistics hubs, and that together with Singapore Airlines’ operational expertise, it gives DHL a strong foundation for enabling international trade and connecting businesses to global markets.
Lee Lik Hsin, Singapore Airlines
“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.”
Lee said the partnership combines SIA’s operational expertise with DHL Express’ global logistics network to reinforce Singapore’s role as a leading air freight hub, particularly in the e-commerce segment.
Why the Deal Matters for Singapore’s Air Cargo Hub
With Singapore as the home base for the dual-liveried Boeing 777 freighters, the partnership strengthens DHL’s global aviation capabilities and anchors more long-haul cargo capacity at Changi.
The renewal also signals both companies’ confidence in the long-term growth of international trade and in the central role of reliable air connectivity in global supply chains.
About DHL
DHL is a global logistics brand offering parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfilment, international express, road, air and ocean transport, and industrial supply chain management. It has approximately 389,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories.
DHL is part of DHL Group, which generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion euros in 2025. The Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.
About Singapore Airlines
The Singapore Airlines Group’s history dates to 1947 with the maiden flight of Malayan Airways. The airline was later renamed Malaysian Airways and then Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA). In 1972, MSA split into Singapore Airlines and Malaysian Airline System.
Starting with a fleet of 10 aircraft flying to 22 destinations in 18 countries, SIA has grown into a major international airline group. The company describes itself as the world’s most awarded airline.
What’s Next
With the agreement renewed, the five Boeing 777 freighters will keep flying DHL’s Singapore–US express routes with SIA crews and engineering support. For shippers, it means continued long-haul capacity out of Changi for time-sensitive and e-commerce cargo, as both companies bet on sustained growth in cross-border trade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What agreement did DHL Express and Singapore Airlines renew?
DHL Express and Singapore Airlines renewed their crew and maintenance agreement for five Boeing 777 freighters based at Singapore Changi Airport.
Who flies and maintains the DHL Boeing 777 freighters?
Singapore Airlines pilots operate the five freighters, and Singapore Airlines engineers oversee their maintenance.
Where do the DHL Boeing 777 freighters fly?
They connect DHL’s South Asia Hub in Singapore with key destinations in the United States as part of DHL’s intercontinental air network.
How much cargo can a DHL Boeing 777 freighter carry?
Each Boeing 777 freighter can carry up to 102 tons of cargo.
Since when have DHL Express and Singapore Airlines worked together on these freighters?
The partnership has been in place since 2022, when the five Boeing 777 freighters began entering service.
Who announced the renewal?
The renewal was marked by Travis Cobb, Executive Vice President for Network Operations and Aviation at DHL Express, and Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer at Singapore Airlines.
