East Midlands Airport (EMA) has today revealed a bold “blueprint for growth” aimed at unlocking its full cargo potential, predicting a 54% rise in demand for express air freight by 2043. The development strategy could generate over 20,000 new jobs and £3.9bn in additional GVA, reaffirming EMA’s position as the UK’s premier hub for dedicated air freight services.
A Vision for Growth
The airport has identified four prime sites on its airfield — covering over 50 hectares — that are ripe for strategic cargo development. The masterplan includes:
- Direct runway access via new taxiways
- Parking for up to 18 additional cargo aircraft
- 122,000 m² of new warehouse space
- 51,000 m² of additional landside yard space
These developments aim to significantly increase EMA’s cargo handling capabilities while supporting infrastructure for a 24/7 operation.
Long-Term Freight Forecasts
The expansion strategy is based on a study by York Aviation and MDS Transmodal, forecasting:
- Freight volumes to grow from 370,000 tonnes (2023) to 491,000 tonnes by 2030
- A further increase to 583,000 tonnes by 2043
This growth could support:
- £1.8bn in additional GVA and 12,600 jobs by 2030
- £3.9bn in additional GVA and 21,300 jobs by 2043
Competitive Advantages
EMA’s cargo growth is driven by key strategic advantages:
- Central UK location: 85% of the population within a four-hour truck drive
- 24/7 operations: Fewer night-flying restrictions than other UK airports
- Dedicated freighter operations: No belly-hold competition with passenger aircraft
- Streamlined logistics: Single runway with direct access to integrator hubs for efficient aircraft-to-truck times
Steve Griffiths, Managing Director, East Midlands Airport, said:
“EMA is already a vital UK air hub, powering advanced manufacturing and other high-value industries.
This blueprint will bolster our role in UK trade, with tens of thousands of jobs and billions in economic value ready to be unlocked by enhancing our cargo operations.”
He added:
“We have a flexible approach to development across four plots and welcome proposals and investment mechanisms that can help bring this ambitious vision to life.”
Strengthening Global Connectivity
This announcement comes as EMA further expands its international reach, becoming the first UK airport to host direct flights from Chinese cargo carriers, with YunExpress and Central Airlines launching regular services this month. This aligns with EMA’s wider strategy to position itself as a critical gateway for UK-China trade, particularly in e-commerce and time-sensitive goods.