Etihad Cargo to start flights to East Midlands Airport

Etihad Cargo will begin twice-weekly flights from East Midlands Airport from this week (27 Oct).

The freight and logistics arm of the airline operates six 7-7-7ft aircraft and its hub in the United Arab Emirates handles more than one million tonnes of cargo every year.

The flights will operate between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and East Midlands Airport starting on Monday, 27 October.

Etihad Cargo follows a glut of new cargo operators choosing East Midlands Airport as the best gateway to the UK. In May, Central Airlines became the first China-based operator flying into East Midlands, on behalf of Chinese logistics firm YunExpress. Since then, Atlas Air, Ethiopian Cargo and Saudia Cargo have all started running China-UK routes via East Midlands Airport.

This comes on top of British operator One Air shifting its operations from Heathrow to East Midlands last year, since when it has grown its fleet to four aircraft, including a brand new 777F which began operating new scheduled services last month, with another due to arrive before the end of the year to take the total to five.

The airport saw a surge in cargo activity between May and July this year, with a 17.4% growth in volumes from the previous year. It has reconfigured its aprons to increase the number of stands available for cargo aircraft to help handle the extra demand. FedEx and ground handling firm Swissport have both recently announced improvements to their on-site facilities to increase capacity.

Commercial Director, Adam Andrews said: “I’m pleased that Etihad Cargo has announced regular flights to East Midlands Airport – our strategic central location and ease of operation make us a great choice for quick access to all parts of the UK.

“This new operator is a further positive sign of East Midlands Airport’s success as the number one UK airport for express cargo, with the capacity and capability to grow.”

Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer of Etihad Airways, added: “Introducing a new freighter service to East Midlands Airport is an important step for Etihad Cargo as we continue to expand our global footprint.

“As the UK’s major hub for airfreight and cargo operations with direct access to key distribution networks for both domestic and European deliveries, this route allows for fast turnaround times and efficient customs handling. Above all, it empowers the people and businesses behind each shipment, helping them build connections that go beyond borders.”