• New weekly B767/F Bahrain-Johannesburg service strengthens Sub-Saharan Africa connectivity and supports growing trade flows between Africa, the Gulf and global markets

DHL Express (www.DHL.com) has marked an important milestone in its regional aviation network with the successful operation of the first direct DHL flight between Bahrain and South Africa.

The inaugural flight arrived at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, opening a new weekly aviation lane operated by a DHL Express B767/F freighter. The route reinforces DHL’s continued investment in strengthening Sub-Saharan Africa network connectivity, expanding heavier-weight capability, improving flexibility and supporting growing trade flows between the Middle East and Africa.

As trade between Africa and the Middle East develops, businesses need resilient, well-connected logistics networks. The new service provides greater inbound and outbound capacity for South Africa and neighbouring countries through the DHL Johannesburg Hub, one of the company’s key gateways on the continent.

The investment also reflects shifting global supply chains, as companies diversify sourcing, manufacturing and customer markets beyond traditional corridors. Bahrain’s position as a gateway between Africa, the Gulf and Asia make it an important link for businesses seeking faster access to international markets.

“Every new connection we introduce is designed with our customers in mind. As global trade routes diversify and economic ties between Africa and the Middle East continue to strengthen, we are seeing powerful geographical tailwinds creating new opportunities for businesses. Demand is growing across sectors such as healthcare, technology, manufacturing and cross-border e-commerce, all of which rely on fast, reliable international logistics,” said Anthony Beckley, Vice President of Operations and Aviation for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa.

“While this first direct DHL flight between Bahrain and South Africa is a significant network milestone, its real value lies in the opportunities it creates for customers.”

South Africa is one of DHL’s Geographic Tailwinds markets, reflecting its growing role in global trade flows and its potential to drive future trade growth. And Johannesburg remains a critical gateway in DHL’s SSA network, linking South Africa and neighbouring markets to global opportunities through Bahrain and the wider DHL aviation network. Through continued investment in routes, aircraft capacity and hub connectivity, DHL is supporting customers across this dynamic lane.

“DHL Express is the only logistics provider operating a dedicated intra-regional air fleet across the Middle East, connecting customers through Bahrain with major global gateways including Hong Kong, Leipzig and Cincinnati,” said Richard Gale, Vice President of Aviation, DHL Express MENA.

“Bahrain’s position at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East makes it an ideal hub for customers seeking faster, more reliable access across these growing trade corridors. We are pleased to add this direct Johannesburg connection as economic ties between Africa and the Gulf deepen.”

DHL remains committed to helping customers seize opportunities created by changing trade patterns and expanding economic relationships.

ATDC is a pan-African platform established to support the expansion of Africa’s trade, accelerate industrialisation through increased local value addition, and strengthen economic integration across the continent. With initial local operations in Egypt, Nigeria, Malawi and Zimbabwe, the platform is closing gaps in trade and market intelligence, improving market access, and supporting implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Under the Facility, Afreximbank will provide ATDC with trade-finance capacity to undertake and scale eligible trading and distribution transactions across the continent. The financing will support purchasing and aggregation of African goods, associated logistics, transportation, warehousing and distribution costs, providing ATDC with the financing required across different stages of the trade and distribution cycle.

ATDC will deploy financing available under the facility towards eligible trade, logistics and distribution transactions with repayments anchored on proceeds generated from the sale of goods financed through the facility.

Commenting on the signing, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development, Afreximbank commented: “The US$500 million Global Credit Facility extended to ATDC underscores Afreximbank’s commitment to strengthening the trade, logistics and distribution architecture required to realise the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By facilitating the efficient distribution of ‘Made-in-Africa’ goods across the continent, the facility will deepen regional value chains, expand market access for African producers, and boost manufactured exports, advancing the AfCFTA’s vision of a more integrated and industrialised African economy. It will also enhance the global competitiveness of African products, positioning the continent as a significant exporter of value-added and manufactured goods. These are critical building blocks for expanding Africa’s export footprint and driving the continent’s economic transformation”.

Mr. Stewart Makura, Chief Executive Officer of ATDC, said: “Realising Africa’s full trade potential requires reliable systems that connect producers, processors, manufacturers and markets. This facility strengthens ATDC’s ability to aggregate supply, mobilise working capital and move goods efficiently across value chains. Together with Afreximbank, we will support stronger supply chains, value addition, import substitution and intra-African trade.”

Beyond financing individual transactions, the facility will help ATDC develop repeatable trade corridors and expand access to dependable sourcing and distribution networks across African markets. It will support commercially sustainable trade flows, greater processing of African commodities and increased regional availability of raw materials, inputs and value-added products.

“Plast Eurasia is designated among the prestigious trade fairs by the Ministry of Trade. For 35 years, it has supported the sector’s development and growth by helping companies build commercial connections,” said İlhan Ersözlü, General Manager at Tüyap Fairs Production Inc. “We are carrying that experience into this edition with a focus on trade, technology and the continued development of the industry.”

MENA buyers among international visitor targets

Interest in the 2026 fair is already reflected in stand sales. Around 3 months before the opening, 90% of exhibition space had been sold, while organizers expect 80,000 domestic and international visitors.

Visitor outreach is focused on Germany, Belgium, Greece, Romania, France, Italy and Poland, alongside the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The four MENA markets are part of the fair’s wider effort to attract professional buyers from different regions to Istanbul. The country mix gives the event a regional dimension spanning Europe and MENA.

For exhibitors, the international visitor mix is intended to support new commercial contacts and the development of existing trading relationships. For buyers, the fair brings machinery suppliers, materials companies and other plastics industry participants together in one location.

Machinery and materials share the trade agenda

Plast Eurasia will bring together two core parts of the plastics industry, plastic production machinery and raw materials and chemicals. The exhibition will also cover next-generation production technologies, machinery solutions and developments around efficiency, innovation and value-added production.

This structure allows industry professionals to review equipment, materials and production approaches during the same visit. New products and technologies will sit alongside meetings aimed at helping companies assess business opportunities across international markets.

35th-year program looks back and ahead

The anniversary program will include a Milestones Map tracing key stages in the fair’s 35-year history and changes in the plastics industry. A chronological presentation will show how the fair and the sector have developed over that period.

An exhibition of historic plastics production machinery will show how production technologies have changed over time. Companies that have contributed to Plast Eurasia’s development during its 35-year history will also be recognized with plaques at the opening ceremony.

The Stage is Yours! program will give exhibitors 30-minute presentation slots in the foyer to share value-added products, technologies, success stories and industry solutions with visitors.

“Hosted Buyer Guided Tour” focuses on relevant meetings

Guided tours will be organized for international purchasing delegations. The program will include guided routes, visits to demo and event areas, access to the Hosted Buyer Lounge and dedicated support services.

It is designed to help buyers reach relevant product groups and exhibitors more efficiently, while giving participating companies more focused contact with international purchasing teams.

Plast Eurasia is organized by Tüyap Fairs and Exhibitions Organization Inc. in cooperation with PAGEV (Turkish Plastics Industry Research, Development and Education Foundation) and with the support of the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Trade. Visitor hours are 10.00–18.00 on December 2–4 and 10.00–17.00 on December 5.