Cargo flights to China are set to take off from Teesside International Airport next month following a landmark agreement to establish a major new long-haul air freight link – delivering a significant boost for regional trade and global connectivity.
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.
Phil Forster, Teesside Airport Managing Director, 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.”