Airport in advanced talks over major cargo deal

A South Yorkshire airport is in advanced discussions over a major freight deal that could significantly increase cargo capacity and create new jobs.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport has confirmed it is in talks with a leading freight integrator over plans to introduce up to 20 flights per week, handling around 80,000 tonnes of cargo annually. 

The proposed operation would focus on international long-haul freight services using wide-body aircraft.

While the business remains unnamed, the potential partner believes the move could deliver savings of around £20 million per year through improved supply chain efficiency and enhanced customer service.

The plans also include establishing premises near the airport, which could bring hundreds of jobs to the local area and further strengthen the region’s logistics capabilities.

Gary Winterman, head of cargo and general aviation at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, said: “This is a major international business looking to locate their operations at Doncaster Sheffield Airport. 

“What’s more, they want to execute these plans as soon as humanly possible, which is something the experienced team here at the airport stand ready to deliver.

“This business isn't in discussions with any alternative airports for this project – DSA is a unique site with unique attributes that can bring massive value to their operations. 

“We are seeing a huge amount of interest in this site, which will bring jobs and economic activity to the airport in the short to medium term.” 

The discussions come as the airport continues a wider transformation programme, including investment in infrastructure, technology and staffing, with around 50 new roles already created.

If an agreement is reached, the project could progress quickly, subject to regulatory approvals, potentially ahead of the completion of the airport’s Airspace Change Process, currently expected in 2027.

Simon Hinchley, executive director of airport operations at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, added: “This airport has all the right attributes for a freight contract of this size, with one of the longest and widest runways of its type in the country, capable of handling the largest aircraft types. 

“We have held very positive discussions over recent weeks, which has included the senior management of this particular organisation visiting site and talking with us in detail about their requirements and potential volumes. 

“Not only do we have the runway, but we have the onward transport links and the land available for warehousing to accommodate a business operation of this scale.”

Christian Foster, director of operator FlyDoncaster Ltd, added: “We have always said that there is a huge opportunity to expand upon the freight operations here at the airport. 

“Before 2022, freight operations peaked at around 24,000 tonnes of freight per annum. 

“We know there is significant capacity to increase this, and the interested party would do so more than threefold at a stroke. 

“This demonstrates the significant amount of interest that exists around DSA and the role the airport will play in helping to re-shape the UK supply-chain.”

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