YunExpress opens cargo facility at East Midlands Airport

YunExpress has received approval to begin operations at a new cargo handling facility at East Midlands Airport, marking its entry as the first China-based cargo handler at a UK airport. The company developed the facility as part of its expansion in the UK market and to strengthen its role in cross-border logistics.

The move supports the airport’s cargo growth plans and reinforces its position in the UK air freight network. It also enables YunExpress to establish an integrated plane-to-door logistics capability in the country, targeting demand from cross-border e-commerce flows.

The company is preparing to handle its first flight on April 30 following its recognition as a Regulated Agent by the Civil Aviation Authority and approval as an Internal Temporary Storage Facility by Border Force. These clearances allow YunExpress to operate cargo handling services within the UK regulatory framework.

YunExpress began operating dedicated freighter services into East Midlands Airport from China in May 2025 in partnership with Central Airlines. The flights are operated using Boeing 777F aircraft. The current schedule includes four flights per week, each carrying up to 100 tonnes of cargo. The company plans to initially handle cargo for these services while building capability to serve additional carriers.

The facility spans 7,000 square metres within an existing warehouse at the airport and is expected to employ around 40 staff. YunExpress stated that the site has capacity to support further flight operations as demand increases.

Adam Andrews, Commercial Director at East Midlands Airport, said: “We’re thrilled to have YunExpress on board as a cargo handler, following on from the flights they launched just under a year ago. This investment by YunExpress is further evidence of the importance of East Midlands Airport as the UK’s largest dedicated freighter airport, with YunExpress and their future clients able to take advantage of 24/7 airport operations and access to 80% of the UK population within four hours.

“Their investment here is a shot in the arm for our cargo growth ambitions, which could see four large plots on the airfield developed with new cargo facilities. We fully anticipate YunExpress expanding their operation to support the growing number of cargo operators choosing East Midlands Airport as their UK hub.”

Orson Wang, General Manager of YunExpress UK, said: “The launch of our East Midlands Airport operation marks a significant milestone in YunExpress’s UK and wider European growth strategy. Following a thorough evaluation of potential locations, East Midlands Airport stood out for its central location, strong cargo infrastructure and efficient access to the wider UK market. With the necessary approvals now in place, we are pleased to begin operations and to further strengthen YunExpress’s global service network, which supports cross-border e-commerce flows across major international markets.

“We are looking at opportunities to work with airlines other than Central, and believe we are particularly well placed to support Chinese operators as we really understand their needs. We are investing here for the long term, with a view to developing our business into a fully integrated, end-to-end logistics operation under the YunExpress brand.”