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China’s largest integrated logistics provider has, for the first time, flown to East Midlands Airport in northern England with its own aircraft on March 8, 2026. SF Express, which had previously served the airport through charter flights and by utilizing the capacities of other providers, has now established a connection to Ezhou Huahu International Airport in Hubei Province with its own Boeing 747 freighter. This airport is regarded as China’s first airport focused on cargo traffic.
Growth of Cargo Traffic at East Midlands Airport
The arrival of SF Express underscores the growing importance of East Midlands Airport as a leading cargo hub in the United Kingdom. According to airport data, cargo volume in 2025 proved to be a driving force behind more than a third of the total air freight growth in the UK. With a 12% increase compared to the previous year, the growth outpaced London airports, where cargo figures are stagnating or declining. Notably, this growth coincides with a reduction in flight movements, as the trend shifts from smaller aircraft flying to Europe to larger long-haul planes. In this financial year, there has been a 7% decrease in cargo flight movements at East Midlands Airport so far.
Adam Andrews, Commercial Director of East Midlands Airport, commented on the new connection: “SF Express is a valued long-term partner for East Midlands Airport. Our central location in the United Kingdom makes us a natural hub for the fast and efficient connectivity of global supply chains across the country. We are pleased to welcome SF Express’s own 747 to East Midlands Airport, marking a significant step and a clear sign of their long-term commitment to the largest cargo airport in the United Kingdom.”
