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The cargo operation at East Midlands Airport is experiencing significant growth, while the number of flight movements with cargo aircraft is declining. This leads to a reduced burden on the surrounding communities. Since the beginning of the new fiscal year in April, the airport, which is considered a leading air freight hub in the United Kingdom, has recorded a decrease of over 1,300 cargo flight movements, while simultaneously seeing an increase in cargo volume of 44,280 tons.
In the past ten months, East Midlands Airport has had a total of 18,400 cargo flight movements, representing a decline of 7% or an average of 133 fewer per month compared to previous years. At the same time, 345,800 tons of cargo were transported, marking a 15% increase compared to the previous year. This development is linked to an increase in intercontinental flights to Asia and the USA, as well as a decrease in shorter flights to Europe. This allows for the use of larger aircraft that can carry more cargo per flight.
The largest operator at East Midlands Airport, DHL, is investing in its fleet and increasingly deploying new Boeing 777s. The smaller operator One Air has also recently added two new 777s to its fleet. Additionally, some of the new airlines that began operations at East Midlands Airport last year, including Etihad and Central, are also utilizing 777 aircraft. Newer planes offer the added advantage of being quieter than older models, some of which have been banned under the airport’s noise mitigation plan.
Expansion of Cargo Operations
Meanwhile, the airport plans to further expand its cargo operations. Four central areas on the airport premises are designated for development to meet growing demand. Medium-term measures have already increased the parking capacity for cargo aircraft, enhanced the number and capacity of cargo handlers, and future-proofed security checks on the airport premises to prepare for rising cargo activity.
Steve Griffiths, Managing Director of East Midlands Airport, commented on the developments: “It is encouraging to see that our cargo growth is not at the expense of local residents. Changes in routes and aircraft types are driving this, which helps us remain a good neighbor to the surrounding communities. This is a trend we expect as operators invest in modernizing their fleets and increasingly focus on long-haul services from East Midlands Airport.”
