East Midlands Airport unveils vision to unlock full cargo potential
Developments could meet an estimated 54% growth in demand for express air freight.
East Midlands Airport (EMA) has unveiled plans that could create more than 20,000 jobs by making land around its runway available for development.
The blueprint for growth aims to unlock East Midlands Airport’s full potential as the U.K.’s most important air cargo hub and help to meet a predicted 54 percent growth in demand for cargo services over the next twenty years, says an official release.
"The proposals were unveiled today (May 21) at UKREiiF, the U.K.’s major real estate investment and infrastructure forum held in Leeds from May 20-22 and attracting 16,000 attendees from the worlds of property, investment and politics."
Four sites on the airfield totalling more than 50 hectares have been earmarked for development to maximise the airport’s potential and build on its success as U.K.’s number one hub for express air freight, the release added. "East Midlands Airport is now open to expressions of interest from potential developers about how to take these opportunities forward, with more information and how to get involved."
Two of the plots have tax site status as part of the East Midlands Freeport for which East Midlands Airport is the primary port. This offers businesses investing in the sites tax incentives and simplified customs processes, the release added.
"Three of the sites would have direct access to the runway through new taxiways and space to park up to 18 extra aircraft. The proposals also outline a total of 122,000m2 of warehouse space along with up to 51,000m2 of landside yard space and 1,000 parking spaces."
The announcement builds on a recent study by specialist air travel consultants York Aviation/MDS Transmodal on behalf of East Midlands Airport, which showed the potential for strong express freight growth at the site with volumes growing from 370,000 tonnes to 491,000 tonnes by 2030 and then to 583,000 tonnes by 2043 – a growth of 54 percent.
The analysis concluded that cargo growth at EMA will support up to £1.8 billion in additional GVA and 12,600 extra jobs by 2030, and up to £3.9 billion additional GVA and 21,300 jobs by 2043. EMA’s growth would benefit the U.K. as a whole as there is currently an unmet need for air cargo services that EMA can absorb, the release added.
Steve Griffiths, Managing Director, East Midlands Airport says: "EMA is already one of the most important airports in the U.K., forming the backbone of express freight that powers the growth of advanced manufacturing and other high-value industries. It is the hub that connects much of the country to the world’s most important markets for trade.
"Analysis shows we have the potential for significant growth in the coming years and in order to meet this growth, we have identified development opportunities to enhance our cargo infrastructure. Our plan for growth will bolster the airport’s pivotal role in powering U.K. trade with tens of thousands of jobs and billions in economic value set to be unlocked by enhancing EMA’s cargo operation. We have four plots, a completely open mind over how those plots should be developed and are open to suggestions for investment mechanisms that would unlock their potential."
