Hong Kong Air Cargo adds to the growing number of operators at East Midlands Airport

• East Midlands Airport has welcomed Hong Kong Air Cargo as the seventh new cargo airline to begin operations at the airport in 2025, marking an important step in its ongoing cargo growth strategy. The airline, which operates a fleet of Airbus A330-200F freighters, will operate a series of charter flights between Hong Kong and the East Midlands – strengthening the airport’s role as a key UK gateway for Asian freight.
• This follows an 11.4% year-on-year increase in freight volumes, bringing the total number of new freight forwarders joining the East Midlands this year to seven, including Air Atlas, Ethiopian Cargo, Etihad Cargo, Central Airlines, SF Express and Saudia Cargo. The airport’s 24/7 operations, central UK location and dedicated infrastructure have made it an increasingly attractive hub ahead of major expansion plans that will see 50 hectares of land adjacent to the runway developed for future freight growth.

East Midlands Airport’s booming cargo operations have been given an extra boost with the arrival this year of a new seventh airline looking for the best way to connect to UK markets.

Hong Kong Air Cargo’s first flight landed at the airport on Tuesday (18 November), making it the seventh new cargo operator to choose East Midlands Airport in the seven months since the airport launched its cargo growth plans.

Established and rooted in the vibrant hub of Hong Kong since 2017, Hong Kong Air Cargo has emerged as a leading cargo airline, offering charter and scheduled aviation services. Operating with a fleet of five wide-body Airbus A330-200F freighters, it connects vital destinations spanning Asia and Europe and initially operates a series of charter flights between Hong Kong and East Midlands Airport.

It joins Central Airlines, Atlas Air, Ethiopian Cargo, Saudia Cargo, Etihad Cargo and SF Express as new arrivals to the airport – helping to achieve 11.4 percent growth in cargo volumes year-on-year. The combination of the East Midlands’ strategic central location, 24/7 operation, unparalleled expertise in freighter-only aircraft, combined with additional capacity, is attracting airlines even before their long-term growth plans begin. These include four runway-side plots totaling 50 hectares earmarked for freight development to meet an estimated 54 percent growth in demand in the next two decades.

Adam Andrew, Commercial Director, East Midlands Airport, said: “Our freight operations continue to go from strength to strength, with unprecedented growth in operators and freight volume over the past seven months.

“We are delighted to welcome Hong Kong Air Cargo to the airport and look forward to working with them to strengthen the trade links between China and the UK in which the East Midlands plays a vital role. Their arrival comes as operations begin to ramp up towards Christmas as everyone looks for the perfect gifts for their loved ones.”

Tony Ma, President of Hong Kong Air Cargo, said: “We are delighted to begin our charter operations to East Midlands Airport, one of the busiest air cargo hubs in the UK.

“This service demonstrates our commitment to providing customized air cargo solutions to our customers. We thank the airport for its support and excellent facilities.”

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