WEEKLY NEWS


TEESSIDE EXPANDS CARGO OPERATIONS


AIR CARG O WEEK


BY Edward HARDY


TEESIDE Airport is positioning itself to capitalise on the UK’s growing e-commerce and specialised cargo markets. “We see ourselves as a heartbeat of the UK, very close to all the e-commerce hubs around the middle of could support


the country the e-commerce business,” Bob


Matharoo, Head of Cargo at Teesside, said. The airport’s approach reflects a broader trend


in the UK and European airfreight markets, where regional


airports are increasingly attracting 10


operators seeking faster turnaround times, lower congestion, and cost-effective solutions. “We are basically a one-shop stop. We have no third-party handling or any involvement. We’re in control of our own destiny, from the aircraft when it lands to ramp handling to cargo handling,” Matharoo stressed, pointing to the airport’s 24-hour setup and direct trucking solutions that allow cargo to reach destinations across the UK efficiently. As global trade patterns evolve, regional


airports like Teesside are poised to capture a share of high-value, “Where


speed to market


e-commerce or other cargo, we can get it there on time and delivered in confidence,” he stated.


time-sensitive shipments. products, whether


Agility and regional efficiency Teesside Airport’s model highlights the growing operational advantages of


regional hubs. The that


airport is investing in infrastructure expansion, with plans for a 60,000 sq ft controlled demand,


facility to accommodate reflecting wider rapid processing and minimal ground


temperature- growing


trends in specialised


cargo storage requirements across the UK. According to Matharoo, the airport prioritises cargo


congestion: “When an aircraft comes in, we can offload it, get it out the back door within three hours of landing. Some of the busy UK hubs cannot even get the cargo from the aircraft to the back door that quickly.” This operational efficiency stems from


integrated in-house handling and a lack of reliance on


third-party agents. Such approaches are


increasingly critical as e-commerce volumes grow and customer expectations for rapid delivery rise. “Everyone is prioritised. There’s no first, second or third. We understand our processes and have a dedicated team to support the business going forward,” Matharoo added. Teesside also benefits from its freeport


status, the first for a UK airport. This designation allows goods to enter with deferred VAT and duty payments,


supporting smoother cross-border flows. “You can bring your cargo from different


types of areas, from the seaports into the airport, save on VAT and duty, and then send it out to different countries,” Matharoo said.


Operational imperatives Teesside Airport with


environmental and initiatives.“Sustainability is a key


is aligning its cargo strategy digital


transformation indicator of


where we need to be. We aim to have autonomous, driverless vehicles within six months and a hydro plant to provide fuel,” Matharoo confirmed, adding that customers can leverage the airport’s hydrofuel capabilities,


carbon footprint. The


airport is also exploring digitalisation


to streamline cargo operations. “Cargo is a new product for Teesside, and we’re working with IT providers to move towards paperless operations and integrate with customs clearance processes,” Matharoo


stated. Digitalisation is


increasingly critical in airfreight, enabling faster documentation, improved tracking, and enhanced regulatory compliance. Innovation extends beyond IT to operational


efficiency. “We’re constantly reviewing how we can improve speed to market, from offloading aircraft to delivering cargo to the customer’s doorstep,” he explained.


reducing both cost and


Impact and outlook lAs UK and European cargo markets evolve, regional hubs like Teesside are poised to play an increasingly central role. Their ability to provide speed, flexibility, and compliance-driven services positions them as viable alternatives to larger, congested airports, particularly for specialised and high-value cargo. “People often assume that only major hubs can handle significant cargo flows. We can cater to all types of cargo, from e-commerce to perishables, with the same or better efficiency,” Matharoo said. With e-commerce demand projected to grow further, the UK’s cargo landscape is likely to see more decentralisation from major airports to regional nodes. “Our geographical positioning allows us to serve the UK market efficiently while supporting specialised cargo sectors like pharmaceuticals


and practices, flows. perishables,” Matharoo


stated. Teesside Airport’s model could influence broader industry


particularly “By for integrating regional


airports seeking to capture high-value or time- sensitive


airfreight


with free port benefits and operational agility, we’re creating a competitive proposition that challenges said.


traditional hub models,” Matharoo


ACW 22 DECEMBER 2025


www.aircargoweek.com

Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16