• Teesside Airport is targeting the UK’s e-commerce and specialised cargo markets with a 24-hour, fully in-house handling model that reduces ground congestion and turnaround times to around three hours
• Plans include a 60,000 sq ft temperature-controlled facility, integration of digital and paperless processes, and adoption of sustainable technologies such as hydrofuel and autonomous vehicles to improve efficiency and lower carbon footprint
• Its freeport status allows deferred VAT and duty payments, supporting smoother cross-border flows, while its regional location and operational agility position Teesside as a fast, flexible alternative to larger, congested UK hubs for high-value, time-sensitive shipments

Teesside Airport is positioning itself to capitalise on the UK’s growing e-commerce and specialised cargo markets. “We see ourselves as a heartbeat of the UK, very close to all the e-commerce hubs around the middle of the country that could support the e-commerce business,” Bob Matharoo, Head of Cargo at Teesside, said.

The airport’s approach reflects a broader trend in the UK and European airfreight markets, where regional airports are increasingly attracting operators seeking faster turnaround times, lower congestion, and cost-effective solutions. “We are basically a one-shop stop. We have no third-party handling or any involvement. We’re in control of our own destiny, from the aircraft when it lands to ramp handling to cargo handling,” Matharoo stressed, pointing to the airport’s 24-hour setup and direct trucking solutions that allow cargo to reach destinations across the UK efficiently.

As global trade patterns evolve, regional airports like Teesside are poised to capture a share of high-value, time-sensitive shipments. “Where speed to market products, whether e-commerce or other cargo, we can get it there on time and delivered in confidence,” he stated.

Agility and regional efficiency

Teesside Airport’s model highlights the growing operational advantages of regional hubs. The airport is investing in infrastructure expansion, with plans for a 60,000 sq ft temperature-controlled facility to accommodate growing demand, reflecting wider trends in specialised cargo storage requirements across the UK.

According to Matharoo, the airport prioritises rapid cargo processing and minimal ground congestion: “When an aircraft comes in, we can offload it, get it out the back door within three hours of landing. Some of the busy UK hubs cannot even get the cargo from the aircraft to the back door that quickly.”

This operational efficiency stems from integrated in-house handling and a lack of reliance on third-party agents. Such approaches are increasingly critical as e-commerce volumes grow and customer expectations for rapid delivery rise. “Everyone is prioritised. There’s no first, second or third. We understand our processes and have a dedicated team to support the business going forward,” Matharoo added. 

Teesside also benefits from its freeport status, the first for a UK airport. This designation allows goods to enter with deferred VAT and duty payments, supporting smoother cross-border flows. “You can bring your cargo from different types of areas, from the seaports into the airport, save on VAT and duty, and then send it out to different countries,” Matharoo said. 

Operational imperatives 

Teesside Airport is aligning its cargo strategy with environmental and digital transformation initiatives.“Sustainability is a key indicator of where we need to be. We aim to have autonomous, driverless vehicles within six months and a hydro plant to provide fuel,” Matharoo confirmed, adding that customers can leverage the airport’s hydrofuel capabilities, reducing both cost and carbon footprint.

The airport is also exploring digitalisation to streamline cargo operations. “Cargo is a new product for Teesside, and we’re working with IT providers to move towards paperless operations and integrate with customs clearance processes,” Matharoo stated. Digitalisation is increasingly critical in airfreight, enabling faster documentation, improved tracking, and enhanced regulatory compliance.

Innovation extends beyond IT to operational efficiency. “We’re constantly reviewing how we can improve speed to market, from offloading aircraft to delivering cargo to the customer’s doorstep,” he explained. 

Impact and outlook

lAs UK and European cargo markets evolve, regional hubs like Teesside are poised to play an increasingly central role. Their ability to provide speed, flexibility, and compliance-driven services positions them as viable alternatives to larger, congested airports, particularly for specialised and high-value cargo.

“People often assume that only major hubs can handle significant cargo flows. We can cater to all types of cargo, from e-commerce to perishables, with the same or better efficiency,” Matharoo said. 

With e-commerce demand projected to grow further, the UK’s cargo landscape is likely to see more decentralisation from major airports to regional nodes. “Our geographical positioning allows us to serve the UK market efficiently while supporting specialised cargo sectors like pharmaceuticals and perishables,” Matharoo stated. 

Teesside Airport’s model could influence broader industry practices, particularly for regional airports seeking to capture high-value or time-sensitive flows. “By integrating airfreight with free port benefits and operational agility, we’re creating a competitive proposition that challenges traditional hub models,” Matharoo said.