Rhenus Group is expanding its air freight network in Southeast Asia to support growing global trade flows and strengthen its position across key international corridors. The investment focuses on developing a network of strategic air freight gateways in Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia. This will enhance operational efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability for global customers.
Firstly, the expansion comes as Southeast Asia emerges as a critical logistics hub amid global supply chain shifts driven by the “China+1” strategy. This trend has redirected cargo flows to the region, increasing demand for reliable and cost-effective logistics solutions.
“Southeast Asia is a focus growth area for Air Freight in Rhenus,” said Chris Bode, Vice President Global Air Freight, Rhenus Air & Ocean. “Our new gateways go beyond providing reliable logistics—they are designed for scalability, integrating digital and sustainable solutions to deliver greater flexibility and efficiency to customers worldwide.”
From Southeast Asia to the World: Integrating Key Trade Hubs
In 2025, Rhenus established new air freight gateways in Singapore and Bangkok (Thailand), complementing its existing facility in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). Together, these hubs form a strategic triangle that strengthens Rhenus’ coverage across major global trade corridors.
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Kuala Lumpur handles inbound cargo from Europe and outbound shipments to Oceania.
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Singapore manages inbound cargo from Asia and Oceania, and outbound flows to the Americas.
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Bangkok supports outbound cargo to Europe and acts as a multi-modal hub, boosting intra-Asia trade through a mix of regional air freight and cross-border trucking.
Also, each gateway offers a full suite of logistics services, including door-to-door transport, customs clearance, cargo consolidation, and value-added air freight solutions. Advanced digital tools enable real-time tracking, smart logistics management, and paperless documentation to streamline operations. In addition, sustainable practices, such as using electric vehicles for local deliveries and optimizing routes for reduced emissions, are also key features of the new setup.
Joachim Hanssen, CEO APAC, Rhenus Air & Ocean, said:
“With the China+1 strategy reshaping global logistics, Southeast Asia is becoming an essential part of supply chain planning. Rhenus is committed to supporting customers in this rapidly growing region. By strengthening our air freight capabilities and building operational resilience, we are positioning ourselves as a trusted logistics partner for global trade.”
