Rhenus expands air freight gateways across Southeast Asia

Global logistics provider Rhenus Group has expanded its air freight gateways across Southeast Asia, reinforcing its presence in one of the world’s most dynamic trade regions. The company’s investments in Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur are designed to optimise cargo flows, enhance flexibility, and support global customers amid shifting trade patterns driven by the China+1 strategy.

Asia continues to lead global economic growth, contributing about 60% in 2025 and 2026, despite weaker demand and policy uncertainty. According to IATA, air freight volumes on the Europe–Asia corridor grew by 12.4% year-on-year as of September 2025, while trade between China and ASEAN increased by 9.6% to 3.67 trillion yuan. These shifts highlight Southeast Asia’s growing importance as a logistics hub for global trade.

“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 our latest expansion plans and go beyond delivering reliable, customer-centric logistics solutions. They are designed with scalability in mind and integrate digital and sustainable solutions to give our global customers flexibility and efficiency.”

The new gateways in Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur strengthen Rhenus’ position along key global corridors. Kuala Lumpur handles inbound cargo from Europe and outbound to Oceania, Singapore manages inbound shipments from Asia and Oceania with outbound flows to the Americas, while Bangkok focuses on exports to Europe and enhances intra-Asia trade through multimodal operations.

Each gateway provides a full suite of services including door-to-door logistics, customs clearance, cargo consolidation, and value-added air freight solutions. Technology-enabled tools such as real-time tracking, smart logistics platforms, and digital documentation improve efficiency, while sustainability initiatives, including electric vehicles, optimised routing, and low-emission transport are integrated into operations.

“With recent global developments, including the China+1 strategy, more businesses are recognising Southeast Asia’s growing role in global logistics,” said Joachim Hanssen, CEO APAC, Rhenus Air and Ocean. “Rhenus remains committed to supporting customers in these fast-growing markets by enhancing resilience and operational agility.”

Rhenus plans to continue identifying new investment opportunities across Southeast Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region, as it strengthens its capabilities to support global trade.