Teesside Airport has received its first European Cargo Airbus A340-600 freighter service, marking the launch of a new all-cargo link between the northeast of England and China.
The inaugural flight landed on the morning of 11 March, opening what the airport sees as a major step forward in its cargo development strategy.
European Cargo will operate five weekly freight flights to and from China, offering a total capacity of 375 tonnes per week.
According to the airport, the new service will further strengthen Teesside’s position as a key UK hub for global logistics and cargo activity.
European Cargo mainly serves e-commerce flows originating from China and is currently known to operate flights to Chengdu and Chongqing.
Speaking a week earlier, Teesside Airport managing director Phil Forster described the deal as a pivotal moment for the airport’s commercial growth. He said the arrival of a new freight base and direct Chinese connections significantly enhances the airport’s offer and reflects growing confidence from international operators in the infrastructure being built there.
Forster added that the impact of the agreement is expected to be substantial, not only for cargo revenue and freight operations but also for Teesside’s role as a strategic location for aviation, logistics and future investment.
European Cargo chief operating officer Iain Edwards said the company was pleased to establish a new operational base at Teesside and described the move as an important step in connecting UK businesses more effectively with global markets.
He said the airline’s investment reflects confidence in the region’s infrastructure and in its long-term potential as a logistics gateway.
