East Midlands Airport’s (EMA) new Commercial Director, Adam Andrews, has set out a clear mission to strengthen the airport’s role as a gateway for global trade and connectivity. His immediate focus is on building new partnerships with airlines and enhancing the airport’s reputation as the UK’s leading hub for express airfreight.

The airport already handles the largest volume of express cargo in the country, and earlier this year confirmed plans to further expand this side of its operations. Adam is tasked with driving that vision forward, ensuring East Midlands continues to meet the needs of global logistics providers while capitalising on its strategic location at the heart of the UK. Positioned between Africa, Europe and North America, the airport is uniquely placed to serve as a vital link for carriers looking to connect these major markets.

Adam brings extensive aviation experience to the role. Most recently, he served as Head of Strategic Insights at Manchester Airports Group (MAG), East Midlands’ parent company. There, he applied commercial and market intelligence to support aviation growth, retail development, and long-term strategy, while also helping to shape the group’s 25-year plans. Before joining MAG, he held a series of senior roles at British Airways, including Network Development and Scheduling Manager at Heathrow Shorthaul and a key position within the airline’s crisis management team. His career began locally, at bmi in Castle Donington, where he worked as a Revenue Analyst.

He is recognised for his expertise in data-driven decision making, commercial development, and leadership. These skills are seen as crucial as East Midlands Airport pursues its cargo masterplan and seizes opportunities presented by the Freeport designation.

Adam emphasises the importance of collaboration with regional businesses and decision makers to maximise the airport’s potential. He highlights MAG’s investment in advanced analytical tools to demonstrate East Midlands’ strengths to prospective airline partners.

“East Midlands is at a pivotal stage of development,” he said. “We will take a data-led approach to growth, underpinned by deep industry knowledge and an understanding of customer needs. This is about building long-term relationships and ensuring the airport continues to connect our region to the world.”