FedEx launches new Asia routes to boost trade & cut delivery times

FedEx has expanded its intra-Asia air network with two new flight routes connecting South Korea, Vietnam, China, and Taiwan to improve regional supply chain efficiency and support growing trade demands.

New routes

The company has introduced a weekly flight that links Incheon International Airport in South Korea with Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, before continuing to the Asia Pacific hub in Guangzhou, China. According to FedEx, this new route will reduce transit times by one day for shipments from Northern Vietnam to destinations across Asia and Europe. All FedEx services from this region are expected to see quicker delivery, enhancing logistics efficiency for exporters and manufacturers seeking access to these markets.

In addition to the weekly route, FedEx has established a direct service connecting Incheon International Airport to Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport. This route will operate seven times per week, offering daily service between the two countries. The increased frequency is designed to strengthen connectivity on a key trade corridor for high-tech industries and to support the region's expanding eCommerce businesses. Notably, businesses such as prominent Korean beauty retailer Olive Young are expected to benefit from increased cross-border logistical capacity, allowing them to extend their global reach.

Adapting to changing trade dynamics

"Asia's trade landscape is evolving rapidly," said Kawal Preet, President of FedEx Asia Pacific. "We're responding by strategically investing in our network to create stronger connections for businesses within the region and unlocking new pathways for growth, driven by the need to adapt to diversifying supply chains, rising regional economies, and an eCommerce landscape being reset by changing customer behaviors and market dynamics."

The Asia-Pacific air cargo sector is experiencing a period of robust growth, linked closely to peak holiday season demand and a shift in trade flows. With high-value technology exports from Southeast Asia on the rise, intra-Asia trade is becoming a more significant component of the region's export activity. Recent data indicates that nearly 60% of Asia's total exports are within the region, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has become China's largest trading partner, with trade between ASEAN and China reaching USD $962.98 billion in 2024.

These developments highlight the need for reliable, time-definite logistics to serve increasingly complex supply chains and to respond quickly to changes in consumer behaviour, especially given the region's status as a technology manufacturing and innovation centre. As businesses adapt to new trading patterns and customer preferences, supply chain flexibility and efficiency have become central to maintaining competitive advantage.

Industry and regional impact

The company's recent moves are expected to benefit a wide array of industries beyond technology manufacturing, encompassing sectors such as textiles, automotive, agriculture, and eCommerce. The improved connectivity provided by the new routes aims to support both established exporters and new market entrants. With faster links to major regional and global markets, businesses in Northern Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, and China can access wider supply chain opportunities.

In addition to the expanded flight network, FedEx continues to invest in digital solutions and customs expertise, helping to further streamline cross-border transactions and support the increasing complexity of international trade logistics. These investments are part of the company's broader efforts to enable economic growth among businesses in Asia.

Peak season and future outlook

The new intra-Asia connections arrive amid forecasts of a strong peak season for air cargo. Manufacturers and exporters are expected to face increasing demand over the coming months as both eCommerce activity and traditional trade volumes rise. The new routes are intended to strengthen time-sensitive deliveries and increase the resilience of supply chains throughout the Asia-Pacific region, the Trans-Pacific corridor, and between Asia and Europe.

FedEx states that these logistical enhancements are designed to assist businesses in seizing new opportunities in an environment shaped by ongoing changes in global trade relationships, consumer expectations, and technological advancements.