Another new cargo operator at East Midlands Airport

“Longhao's decision to start operations here provides further evidence of the airport's growing strength and reputation within the rapidly evolving Chinese air cargo market. “

East Midlands Airport has welcomed yet another new cargo airline for its first arrival as a new connection with China is established.

Welcoming the inaugural flight by China Central Longhao Airlines to EMA are from left, Head of Aviation David Craig, Head of Airfield Operations Leanne Skinner and Head of Corporate Affairs Ioan Reed-Aspley, all from EMA | East Midlands Airport

placeholder image — Welcoming the inaugural flight by China Central Longhao Airlines to EMA are from left, Head of Aviation David Craig, Head of Airfield Operations Leanne Skinner and Head of Corporate Affairs Ioan Reed-Aspley, all from EMA | East Midlands Airport

Central China Longhao Airlines’ first Boeing 747-400 freighter touched down at East Midlands yesterday (November 2) from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport.

The cargo airline is starting twice-weekly flights on the route, adding to the growing list of cargo operators choosing East Midlands as their gateway to the UK market.

Central China Longhao Airlines crew | East Midlands Airport

China Central Longhao Airlines was restructured and established by Henan Civil Aviation Development & Investment Group in 2019. As a state-owned airline and the main base airline in Henan Province, it played a key role in the construction of Zhengzhou international air cargo hub, and operates its fleet throughout Asia and into Europe.

First Central China Longhao flight arrives on stand at EMA | East Midlands Airport

The airline’s first route to the UK comes after East Midlands Airport recorded a 6.3% (36,000 tonnes) increase in cargo volumes compared to last September. And the airport has recently advertised for a new Head of Cargo Development as the operation goes from strength to strength and long-term growth plans are put into action.

East Midlands Airport’s Commercial Director Adam Andrews said: “We’re really pleased to welcome Central China Langhao as a new airline operating to East Midlands as its gateway into the UK.

The inaugural flight is marshalled onto stand at EMA | East Midlands Airport

“Longhao's decision to start operations here provides further evidence of the airport's growing strength and reputation within the rapidly evolving Chinese air cargo market.

“We are continuing to attract more cargo operators, who understand that our great central location and available capacity helped by a 24/7 operation together make us an unbeatable proposition in the UK.”