DHL Stations Two Boeing 737 Freighters in Lagos to Boost West Africa

DHL Express has strengthened its air cargo footprint in West Africa by basing two dedicated Boeing 737-400 converted freighters in Lagos, Nigeria. The move is aimed at improving transit times, boosting network resilience, and supporting rising demand for express logistics across the region. The aircraft are operated under DHL Express branding through DHL Aviation Sub-Saharan Africa.

A company spokesperson confirmed that the two aircraft are registered as 9G-ACC and 9G-MTA and are wet-leased from Air Ghana. Both freighters are now based in Lagos and are actively flying routes across Nigeria and neighboring markets, including Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana, according to ADS-B tracking data. The deployment marks a significant operational enhancement for DHL’s regional air network.

DHL said positioning the aircraft in Lagos will deliver faster, more predictable transit times for customers while increasing flexibility across its Sub-Saharan African operations. As a major commercial and logistics hub, Lagos plays a central role in regional trade flows, making it a strategic base for dedicated freighter capacity. The company noted that the investment supports growing volumes from sectors such as e-commerce, perishables, energy, and life sciences and healthcare.

DHL Aviation Sub-Saharan Africa emphasized that it remains the only express integrator operating a dedicated air network across the region. By expanding aviation uplift in West Africa, the company aims to keep pace with rising cross-border trade and increasingly time-sensitive shipment requirements. The new freighters will be fully integrated into DHL’s wider African air network, strengthening links to key Africa–Europe and Africa–Asia trade lanes.

Anthony Beckley, vice president for operations and aviation at DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the importance of reliable air capacity as trade across the continent accelerates under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework. He said businesses are demanding consistent delivery performance and predictable schedules, particularly as supply chains become more regionalized and digitally driven.

Fleet data shows that both aircraft have long operational histories. The Boeing 737-400SF registered as 9G-MTA, now 33.5 years old, was originally delivered in 1992 and has previously flown with operators including Air Ukraine, Malev, Solaseed Air, and Swiftair before joining Air Ghana’s fleet in late 2025. Its sister aircraft, 9G-ACC, aged 32.1 years, was first delivered in 1994 to Turkish Airlines and later operated by Blue Panorama Airlines. It is owned by Swiftair and has been leased to Air Ghana since November 2024.

By basing the two freighters in Lagos, DHL is reinforcing its long-term commitment to West Africa, positioning itself to capture growth in regional trade while offering customers faster, more dependable access to global markets.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com