EMA is improving its infrastructure so that aircraft can load and unload more efficiently at busy times, with a £114m development to double the size of its operation.
The east apron, a large concrete area at the M1 end of the airfield, is being widened to allow up to four more aircraft to be parked at any one time. Aircraft that use this space include those serving Fed Ex/TNT, UPS and Royal Mail, amongst others. UPS’ new facility, also at the east side of the airport, taking shape too.
The 10% year-on-year growth in cargo volume at the airport is being driven largely by people’s growing online shopping habits. Cargo operators on-site are primarily serving the express freight/next-day-delivery market, in response to the surge in e-commerce.
Over the next six months, airport bosses will unveil a new business plan to tap into the potential from the growth in online shopping.
Karen Smart, EMA’s Managing Director, said: “A successful and growing economy leads to an increase in demand for air services, both passenger and cargo. As the UK’s second largest cargo airport after Heathrow and the UK’s No.1 for dedicated air cargo traffic, we are an important national asset. Each year an estimated £50bn of UK imports and exports are handled at EMA much of which is serviced by express operators who offer a ‘next-day’ service to destinations across the world. Because we make an important economic contribution to the UK, continued investment in our infrastructure is key to facilitate regional and national economic growth and the attractiveness of this region because of its global connectivity.”
Over 365,000 tonnes of goods fly in and out of East Midlands airport each year. At peak times, one million individual parcels and letters are handled at the airport