According to Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, logistics specialist Röhlig has expanded its air freight capacity for Europe-Australia cargo by up to three times in response to ongoing disruptions in the Middle East.
Röhlig Expands Capacity Amid Regional Disruptions
The expansion follows increased volatility in key maritime corridors due to Middle East instability, particularly affecting routes through the Red Sea and Suez Canal. Röhlig has responded by scaling up its air freight operations, increasing capacity up to three times the previous level for shipments between Europe and Australia. The company cited rising demand for alternative routing solutions, especially for time-sensitive and oversized cargo. This adjustment is part of a broader contingency strategy that includes dedicated freighter charters, expanded commercial uplift, alternative routing models, and new airline partnerships.
Operational Response and Capacity Deployment
One notable deployment involved a single Boeing 747 charter flight to Sydney, which added more than 100 tonnes of cargo capacity. According to Röhlig, this single flight transported approximately 110 tonnes across 31 main deck positions and nine lower deck positions. The flight supported urgent shipments requiring fast turnaround, including oversized and high-value goods. The company emphasized that such rapid mobilization was made possible through its global network and real-time coordination capabilities.
Brett Smith, airfreight manager APAC at Röhlig, said:
“Our customers needed capacity and fast solutions, and our team moved quickly to deliver. Coordinating shipments from 101 customers across nine countries in just three days is no small task, but it shows the strength of the Röhlig network and the commitment of our people to keep supply chains moving.”
Recommendations for Businesses
Röhlig advises UK-based businesses trading with Australia or New Zealand to reassess several operational factors. These include reviewing current routing assumptions, adjusting booking lead times, establishing contingency options for urgent freight, improving shipment visibility, and reinforcing internal escalation procedures. The company notes that alternative routing may impact downstream handling, customs clearance, and delivery timelines. For critical shipments, Röhlig recommends considering premium services or charter options to ensure reliability.
Digital Tools for Visibility and Tracking
The Röhlig Real Time platform provides users with instant quotes, real-time shipment tracking, automated alerts, and detailed reporting. Additionally, the Track & Trace feature offers milestone visibility without requiring a login, allowing partners and customers to monitor key stages of transit. These tools are designed to improve transparency and enable proactive decision-making during periods of disruption. Ranee Stowers, airfreight operations manager at Röhlig Australia, is pictured overseeing operations at the company’s Australian hub.
Industry analysts note that air freight demand between Europe and Australia has seen a 35% year-on-year increase since early 2025, driven largely by geopolitical instability and supply chain diversification trends. Röhlig’s recent actions align with broader industry moves, such as DHL’s 2025 launch of new air cargo hubs in Dubai and Singapore, and Maersk’s deployment of chartered aircraft across Asia-Europe routes during the same period.
For supply chain professionals, the situation underscores the growing need for flexible, multi-modal strategies. As disruptions in the Middle East persist, companies are increasingly prioritizing air freight for high-priority goods, even at higher costs. The ability to shift quickly between routes and service types is now a key differentiator in global logistics.
Source: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
