East Midlands Airport secures deals with Chinese, US carriers

East Midlands Airport has secured new cargo deals with Chinese operators YunExpress and Central Airlines, as well as US carrier Atlas Air. The agreements involve regular scheduled flights to the airport, making East Midlands the first UK airport to receive services from these Chinese operators. The initial flights will operate twice a week from China, with plans for increased frequency.

Atlas Air, a US-based 747 operator, began its UK operations at East Midlands Airport on the same day, running five weekly flights throughout the summer. Ethiopian Cargo, operating Boeing 777s, has also joined the list of carriers with twice-weekly flights to China, signalling longer-term commitments.

The first flight from YunExpress and Central Airlines arrived on 13 May, marking the start of their long-term operations at East Midlands Airport. The arrival was marked by a formal ceremony attended by representatives from the Chinese Embassy to the UK, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands Nadine Peatfield.

Bole Xia, General Manager of YunExpress, said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with East Midlands Airport, marking a milestone for YunExpress as our owned freighter first touches down in the UK. This new route not only expands our European network but also reinforces our commitment to delivering faster, more reliable services to our customers.”

Central Airlines, based in Hainan, flew to 12 countries and 43 airports last year, serving a wide range of clients. The new deal forms part of YunExpress’s long-term plan to expand its cargo operations at East Midlands Airport, with further announcements expected in the coming months.

Commenting on these expansions, East Midlands Airport’s Head of Aviation David Craig said, “It’s a really exciting time for cargo operations at East Midlands Airport. We have established ourselves as the UK’s leading express air freight hub and are demonstrating that we are open for more cargo business. Our strategic central location and flexibility around night flying help to attract new cargo operators looking for a way into the UK market and finding many other airports are over capacity and congested.”

Craig added, “Landing the deal with YunExpress and Central Airlines is momentous as they are the first China-based operators at East Midlands. Atlas Air’s new operation demonstrates we are ready, willing and able to adapt to changes in the global supply chain. Meanwhile, we know Ethiopian Cargo’s move here is also for a longer-term solution, which we are ready and able to accommodate.”

The recent agreements are part of East Midlands Airport’s ongoing effort to expand its cargo capabilities, including upgrading its cargo aprons to handle larger aircraft and a wider range of cargo types.