Member News
Cargo flights to China are set to take off from Teesside International Airport following a landmark agreement to establish a major new long-haul air freight link – delivering a significant boost for regional trade and global connectivity.
Leading UK-based global air freight carrier European Cargo has today (3 March) confirmed a deal to create a new operational base at Teesside Airport Business Park, in a multi-million-pound investment strengthening the airport’s position as a key logistics gateway for the North of England.
The agreement will see the launch of five weekly cargo flights to a key strategic trade hub starting this month.
The service provides the capacity to transport up to 375 tonnes of freight each week, opening up faster, more direct export routes for UK manufacturers and businesses.
This new European Cargo base is set to drive local job creation and solidify Teesside’s status as a premier UK hub for global logistics.
Teesside Airport Managing Director Phil Forster said: “This is a transformational agreement for our airport and a further major milestone in delivering on our ambition to establish Teesside as a leading UK centre for the aviation and logistics industry.
“Securing a new freight base and direct links to China is a pivotal moment that significantly strengthens our commercial offering and demonstrates the confidence global operators have in what we are building here.
“The impact of this deal will be substantial – not only in boosting cargo operations and revenue, but in firmly positioning the airport as a strategic location for aviation, freight and future investment. It underlines our ambition to develop a highly commercially successful airport that plays an essential role in driving the region’s economic future.”
European Cargo’s Chief Operating Officer Iain Edwards said: “We are incredibly pleased to establish this new operational base at Teesside International Airport, which marks a significant step forward in our mission to connect UK businesses with global markets.
“By launching five weekly flights to a key strategic trade hub, we are providing 375 tonnes of much-needed weekly capacity and offering a faster, more reliable export route for manufacturers across the North of England.
“Our investment in Teesside reflects our confidence in the region’s infrastructure and its potential as a premier logistics gateway. We are proud that this expansion will drive local job creation and provide a meaningful boost to the regional economy, while further cementing Teesside’s status as a world-class centre for air freight and international trade.”
The new service will fly direct from Teesside with European Cargo’s dedicated fleet of Airbus A340-600 long-haul freighters which can transport up to 76 metric tonnes of cargo – the equivalent of 12 adult African elephants.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is a hugely significant announcement for Teesside Airport and for our wider local economy.
“The decision by European Cargo to establish a new base here and launch dedicated freight flights is a clear vote of confidence in the airport’s future and in our region as a place to do business.
“Growing commercial operations is central to our long-term plan to make the airport financially sustainable, while also creating more well-paid, high-quality jobs for local people.
“It shows our airport is not only connecting people but opening up global trade routes that will support local firms, attract further investment and help drive economic growth across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”
The European Cargo deal builds on multiple multi-million-pound investments from the private sector at Teesside Airport in the past year.
These include Willis Aviation Services Limited’s recently opened £13.5million aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facility, the development of two aircraft painting facilities operated by Airbourne Colours and the construction of a new £7million hangar by aerospace firm Draken.
