Airport flies high with China cargo deal

A North East airport is expanding its international freight operations following a new long-haul cargo agreement.

Teesside International Airport has launched a new agreement with UK-based carrier European Cargo, introducing five weekly flights connecting the region directly with China.

The deal establishes a new operational base for European Cargo at Teesside Airport Business Park, further strengthening the airport’s role as a key logistics hub for the North of England. 

Long-haul Airbus A340-600 freighters are already operating on the route, with the service expected to handle up to 375 tonnes of cargo each week.

The new connection is set to provide faster and more direct export routes for UK manufacturers and businesses, improving access to global markets.

Iain Edwards, chief operating officer at European Cargo, said: “Part of the attraction here at Teesside is we’re working with the people who can make a difference. 

“If we need something done, we’re speaking to people who can pull levers.

“It’s very exciting. 

“It’s big thing for us – and there’s been a lot of work going on. 

“Our engineering team has spent a lot of time up here forming very good relationships.

“It’ll be exciting to see what happens next.”

The partnership is also expected to create around 50 jobs at the airport, supporting continued growth in the region’s logistics and aviation sectors.

Teesside Airport’s strategic location, with strong road, rail and port links, positions it well to support increased freight activity.

Teesside Airport managing director Phil Forster added: “It’s worth repeating that this is a transformational agreement for our airport which will propel us forward and create good quality local jobs.

“This isn’t just an opportunity for Teesside, the North East, or even just the North, it’s an opportunity for the entire UK.

“Securing a new freight base and direct links to China is pivotal and shows the confidence global operators like European Cargo have in what we are building here.

“This firmly positions the airport as a strategic location for aviation, freight and future investment as we continue to grow our role in driving the region’s economic future.”

The agreement builds on a raft of recent private sector investment at Teesside Airport, including Willis Aviation Services Limited’s £13.5 million maintenance facility, new aircraft painting units by Airbourne Colours and a £7 million hangar under construction by Draken.

Linked by the A1(M) and A66 nearby, the East Coast Mainline, in Darlington, and just a few miles from key ports on the River Tees, Teesside Airport’s freight facilities are ideally placed in the heart of Britain to make the most of road and rail links. 

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “This is another huge vote of confidence in our airport and having European Cargo establish a new base here with dedicated global freight flights helps seal both the airport’s future and our region as great places to do business. 

“I’ll never lose sight of the importance of holiday flights for our airport – but our growing Business Park and our rising cargo operations are a huge part of our long-term plan to make the airport financially sustainable, as well as an engine to create more well-paid, high-quality jobs for local people.

“Our airport is opening up global trade routes, and this will support local firms, create jobs and attract further investment across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”

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