Chinese logistics firm YunExpress started Boeing 777F services in partnership with Central Airlines from Hainan, touching down at East Midlands Airport on Tuesday 13 May.
The first flight was met by representatives from the Chinese Embassy to the UK, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands, Nadine Peatfield.
YunExpress is starting with two flights a week and plans to increase the flight frequency.
Welcoming YunExpress and Central Airlines to the airport, Steve Griffiths, Managing Director of East Midlands Airport said: “These new operators are a major coup for the airport and point to our status as the UK’s best-placed airport for the ongoing growth in express air cargo. While there are constraints at many other airports, we have capacity for more cargo flights, can operate 24/7 and can quickly get goods from aircraft to anywhere in the UK.”
Bole Xia, General Manager of YunExpress added: “With EMA’s strategic location at the heart of the UK’s thriving e-commerce sector, we are confident in our ability to enhance delivery speed and efficiency. This achievement reflects our ongoing dedication to innovation and excellence in global logistics.”
This was followed by Atlas Air launching five flights a week for the summer using a Boeing 747 to carry goods between the USA and China, and Ethiopian Cargo starting twice-weekly Boeing 777 flights, also going to China throughout the summer.
David Craig, Head of Aviation at East Midlands Airport said: “It’s a really exciting time for cargo operations at East Midlands Airport. We have established ourselves as the UK’s leading express air freight hub and are demonstrating that we are open for more cargo business."
Welcoming the new arrivals, Craig said: "Landing the deal with YunExpress and Central Airlines is momentous as they are the first China-based operators at East Midlands. Atlas Air’s new operation demonstrates we are ready, willing and able to adapt to changes in the global supply chain. Meanwhile we know Ethiopian Cargo’s move here is also for a longer-term solution which we are ready and able to accommodate.”