East Midlands Airport (EMA) has landed a major breakthrough in UK-China air cargo relations, becoming the first UK airport to host direct flights from Chinese cargo operators, as YunExpress and Central Airlines launch regular services this month.
Chinese logistics giant YunExpress began operating its own Boeing 777F freighter flights in partnership with Hainan-based Central Airlines earlier this week, with initial services running twice weekly between China and the UK.
The deal highlights EMA’s growing reputation as Britain’s leading express air freight hub.
The new route represents YunExpress’s first direct cargo operation into the UK using its own freighter aircraft.
With plans to increase frequency in the coming months, the long-term partnership signals a deepening logistics corridor between China and the UK’s Midlands region.
To mark the occasion, the next scheduled flight on 13 May will be welcomed with a red-carpet ceremony, attended by representatives from the Chinese Embassy in the UK, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce.
Steve Griffiths, managing director of East Midlands Airport, hailed the deal as a “major coup” for the airport: “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.
“We operate 24/7, have capacity for more cargo flights, and can quickly get goods from aircraft to anywhere in the UK.”
Bole Xia, general manager of YunExpress, added: “This new route not only expands our European network but also reinforces our commitment to delivering faster, more reliable services to our customers.
“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.”
Last year, Central Airlines operated flights to 43 airports across 12 countries, supporting a growing global network of logistics clients.
This new UK-China connection is expected to further fuel demand for e-commerce and cross-border parcel delivery, particularly as businesses look for reliable alternatives to congested hubs in southern England.