East Midlands Airport has established a new cargo connection with China following the arrival of a freight airline operating its first UK route.
Central China Longhao Airlines launched the service on Monday 2 November, when its first Boeing 747-400 freighter arrived at East Midlands Airport from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in China.
The airline will operate twice-weekly flights between the two airports, adding to the number of international freight carriers using East Midlands as a UK cargo hub.
Central China Longhao Airlines was restructured in 2019 by Henan Civil Aviation Development & Investment Group. The state-owned carrier is based in Henan Province and has played a role in developing Zhengzhou as an international air freight hub.
Its existing operations cover destinations across Asia and Europe, with the new East Midlands service marking its first route to the UK.
The announcement follows an increase in freight activity at East Midlands Airport, which has reported a 6.3% rise in cargo volumes, equivalent to approximately 36,000 tonnes, compared with the previous September.
The airport has also recently advertised for a new Head of Cargo Development as it develops plans to expand its freight operations.
East Midlands Airport is a major UK air cargo hub, with its central location and ability to operate flights around the clock making it an important base for freight operators serving domestic and international markets.
Adam Andrews, Commercial Director at East Midlands Airport, said:
“We’re really pleased to welcome Central China Langhao as a new airline operating to East Midlands as its gateway into the UK.
“Longhao’s decision to start operations here provides further evidence of the airport’s growing strength and reputation within the rapidly evolving Chinese air cargo market.
“We are continuing to attract more cargo operators, who understand that our great central location and available capacity helped by a 24/7 operation together make us an unbeatable proposition in the UK.”
The new service provides another direct freight connection between China and the East Midlands as the airport seeks to attract additional cargo operators.
Picture: The inaugural Central China Longhao Airlines flight arriving at East Midlands Airport. A second photograph shows airport representatives David Craig, Head of Aviation; Leanne Skinner, Head of Airfield Operations; and Ioan Reed-Aspley, Head of Corporate Affairs, welcoming the new service.
