DHL Aviation Expands Lagos Fleet to Boost West Africa’s Trade Connectivity
With two new Boeing 737 aircraft stationed in Lagos, DHL deepens its logistics footprint in West Africa, targeting faster delivery, stronger trade links, and a more resilient supply chain for the continent’s growth sectors.
By Maarifaah Editorial Desk
DHL Aviation has unveiled two dedicated Boeing 737-400 aircraft at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, adding fresh capacity into its Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) air network as trade volumes rise under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The new aircraft, fully branded and integrated into DHL’s regional fleet, are expected to significantly improve transit times, enhance delivery predictability, and extend the company’s reach across West Africa and beyond.
The investment comes at a time when businesses across the region are demanding more reliable logistics solutions to support growth in sectors such as e-commerce, perishables, energy, and life sciences.
“As trade expands across Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area, businesses are demanding predictable transit times and consistent delivery performance,” Anthony Beckley, VP Operations and Aviation, DHL Express SSA, said in an emailed statement.
“The two dedicated aircraft will strengthen connections on critical Africa-Europe and Africa-Asia trade lanes.”
DHL remains the only international logistics integrator with a dedicated air network in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The company’s aviation uplift strategy is part of a broader push to modernize Africa’s logistics infrastructure and support access to global markets. This includes investments in digital customs tools, AI-powered route optimization, and renewable energy pilots across its facilities.
Nigeria’s Logistics Hub Ambitions AfCFTA Driving Intra-African Trade Growth
The Lagos expansion also aligns with Nigeria’s ambitions to become a regional logistics hub.
With the country’s non-oil exports rising and intra-African trade gaining momentum, improved air cargo capacity could play a pivotal role in unlocking new value chains and reducing trade friction.
Intra-African trade, though historically low, hovering under 20% of total commerce, has also begun to rise meaningfully.
According to African Business Chamber, a global advocacy that promotes trade and business development across the continent:
“The 2026 Africa trade landscape is defined by a significant surge in Intra-African Trade, which is projected to reach 22% of the continent’s total trade volume.
“This represents a substantial leap from approximately 15% in 2021, a growth primarily attributed to the aggressive enforcement of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).”
The World Bank estimates that AfCFTA could add up to $450 billion to Africa’s income by 2035.
But the benefits are not limited to the continent.
The agreement is also expected generate an additional $76 billion in income for the rest of the world. Logistics investments like DHL’s are critical enablers of this broader economic integration.
“With this latest investment, DHL Express reaffirms its position as the logistics partner of choice for businesses seeking to grow their presence in regional and global value chains,” Riaan Vorster, Aviation Senior Director at DHL Aviation SSA, said.
