China’s largest cargo airline flew into East Midlands Airport with its own aircraft for the first time earlier this week (Sunday 8 March ).
SF Express is one of eight new cargo carriers that launched new operations through East Midlands last year, and the flight operating into East Midlands Airport this time is operated by its airline subsidiary, SF Airlines.
The integrator, until this point, has served East Midlands Airport through chartering and taking space on other operators.
Now, in a sign of committing to a longer-term connection with East Midlands Airport, SF Airlines has brought in freight on its own 747 aircraft for the first time. It flew from Ezhou Huahu International Airport, touted as China’s first cargo-focused airport.
As China’s largest cargo airline, SF Airlines currently operates a fleet of 90 freighters and boasts an extensive international route network.
The launch of its new cargo route adds further momentum to East Midlands Airport’s position as the UK’s leading cargo hub, providing operators with seamless access to 90% of the population within four hours.
The new arrival comes as East Midlands looks back on 2025 as a year when the growth of its cargo volumes made up more than a third of all air cargo growth in the UK.
The 12% year-on-year increase outstripped London airports, where growth flatlined or went backwards.
And the growth is being achieved with fewer aircraft movements, as a shift away from smaller aircraft flying to Europe towards larger aircraft carrying out long-haul flights.
This has led to a 7% decrease in freight aircraft movements at East Midlands so far this financial year.
Adam Andrews, East Midlands Airport’s Commercial Director, said: “SF Express has been a valued long‑term partner for East Midlands Airport, and SF Airlines will provide new momentum to the cooperation between both parties.
“Our central UK location makes us a natural hub for connecting global supply chains quickly and efficiently across the country.
“We’re delighted to welcome SF Airlines’ own 747 to East Midlands as a major milestone and a clear signal of their long‑term commitment to the UK’s largest dedicated freight airport.”