Teesside International Airport is positioning itself as a rising logistics hub after securing a new long-haul cargo partnership with UK airline European Cargo.
The agreement introduces five weekly freight flights from China, marking a significant expansion of the airport’s international cargo operations and reinforcing its strategy to develop a major logistics platform for the North of England.
The service will be operated using Airbus A340-600 freighters, capable of carrying up to 375 tonnes of cargo per week. The new operation is also expected to generate around 50 local jobs while establishing a permanent operational base for European Cargo at the Teesside Airport Business Park.
The launch was officially celebrated on 16 March during an event attended by regional leaders, industry figures and business representatives.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen described the new route as a major vote of confidence in the airport’s long-term development strategy.
According to Houchen, expanding cargo activity is central to making the airport financially sustainable while supporting economic growth across the wider region, including Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.
European Cargo’s Chief Operating Officer Iain Edwards also emphasized the collaborative effort behind the project. He noted that the airport’s management team had played a key role in enabling the partnership by responding quickly to operational requirements and facilitating the development of the airline’s new base.
The region’s connectivity is another major factor supporting the project. Teesside Airport benefits from strong transport infrastructure, including direct links to the A1(M) and A66 road networks, access to the East Coast Mainline rail corridor, and proximity to key ports along the River Tees.
Airport Managing Director Phil Forster described the agreement as a “transformational moment” for Teesside, arguing that direct cargo connections to China will strengthen the airport’s role not only in the North East but across the entire UK logistics landscape.
The deal also forms part of a broader wave of investment in the airport’s aviation ecosystem.
Recent projects include a £13.5 million aircraft maintenance facility developed by Willis Aviation Services, two aircraft painting facilities operated by Airbourne Colours, and the construction of a new £7 million hangar by aerospace company Draken.
Together, these developments are helping position Teesside Airport as a growing centre for cargo operations, aviation services and industrial investment.
