The cargo business, Cargo First is combining its efficient handling processes and strategic location 90 minutes from London with European Cargo’s fleet to make Bournemouth Airport an important e-commerce gateway to the UK.
European Cargo is operating three Airbus A340-600 converted freighters on routes between China and UK with more aircraft due to enter service in the coming months.
To raise awareness of Bournemouth Airport’s services, Cargo First and European Cargo will jointly attend the air cargo China tradeshow later this month in Shanghai.
Steve Gill, Managing Director of Bournemouth Airport, says, “Our collaboration with European Cargo has established Bournemouth as a reliable and cost-effective hub for e-commerce and other air freight into the UK, with a proven track record of delivering a highly efficient service for time-sensitive consignments for our customers.”
Jason Holt, Chief Executive of European Cargo, adds, “We recently celebrated the first anniversary of flights from Bournemouth to Chengdu and in our first year operated almost 300 flights carrying some 20,000 tonnes of cargo. With our fourth fully converted long-haul freighter expected to enter service in July and two more by October, we see continued growing interest in our aircraft and services.”
European Cargo’s A340-600Fs have a maximum payload of 76 tonnes and a cargo capacity of 440 cubic metres.
Cargo First has recruited 15 new staff for warehouse, aircraft handling and cargo security in the last year and is looking at longer term infrastructure investment to create more cargo facilities at the airport.