• East Midlands Airport has welcomed Hong Kong Air Cargo as the seventh new cargo airline to begin operations at the airport in 2025, marking a significant step in its ongoing cargo growth strategy. The airline, which operates a fleet of Airbus A330-200F freighters, will run a series of charter flights between Hong Kong and East Midlands—boosting the airport’s role as a key UK gateway for Asian cargo.
• This follows a 11.4 percent year-on-year increase in cargo volumes and brings the total number of new cargo carriers joining East Midlands this year to seven, including Atlas Air, 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 runway-adjacent land developed for future cargo growth.

Burgeoning cargo operations at East Midlands Airport have been given a further boost with the arrival of a seventh new airline this year looking for the best way to connect to UK markets.

Hong Kong Air Cargo’s first flight touched down at the airport on Tuesday (November 18), 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 premier all-cargo airline, offering crafted charter and scheduled flight services. Operating with a fleet comprising five Airbus A330-200F wide-body freighters, it connects vital destinations spanning Asia and Europe and is initially running 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 newcomers to the airport – helping to drive an 11.4 percent growth in cargo volumes year-on-year. A combination of East Midlands’ strategic central location, 24/7 operation and unrivalled expertise in cargo-only freighter aircraft, along with extra capacity, is attracting the airlines even before longer-term growth plans get underway. These involve four runway-side plots totalling 50 hectares being earmarked for cargo developments to meet an estimated 54 percent growth in demand in the next two decades.

East Midlands Airport’s Commercial Director Adam Andrew said: “Our cargo operation continues to go from strength to strength, with unprecedented growth in operators and freight volumes over the last seven months.

“We’re delighted to welcome Hong Kong Air Cargo to the airport and look forward to working with them to further strengthen the China-UK trade links that East Midlands is playing such a vital role in. Their arrival comes as operations begin to ramp up towards Christmas as everyone searches for the perfect gifts for their loved ones.”

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

“The service demonstrates our commitment to providing tailored air freight solutions for our customers. We thank the airport for its support and excellent facilities.”