25 DHL, then ELAN, opened its operation in 1984 and has since built its largest


UK hub here, bolstered by a £90 million expansion. UPS followed suit with a £138 million hub in 2021. The airport’s ability to operate 24/7—unhindered by passenger traffic—has


been vital. Swissport’s recent tripling of its handling capacity through the use of under-utilised facilities exemplifies EMA’s adaptive mindset. “Having the correct shed capacity is also key,” Craig added, as the airport gears up to support a projected 54 percent growth in cargo over the next two decades.


Legacy of versatility EMA’s cargo infrastructure has evolved to support a growing variety of aircraft, from British Midland DC-3s to modern freighters and even massive Antonov An-124s. Craig underscored the importance of this flexibility: “Ground handlers’ ability to


handle aircraft of all sizes is critical to the EMA cargo success. DHL self-handle, so have it all in-house. Having the correct shed capacity is also key to this.” The airport is advancing plans to scale its cargo operations to meet rising demands, predicted to grow by 54 percent by 2043.


Competitive in a changing landscape The UK’s regional airport sector has undergone dramatic change since 1965, yet EMA has remained relevant by leaning into its dual identity. “By embracing cargo and passenger, EMA is not so vulnerable to the increasing


competitiveness of the UK passenger market,” Craig said. Investments in passenger experience—from lounge refurbishments and


improved security to new bars and restaurants—have ensured EMA remains attractive. “Eight million people live within one hour of the airport,” he noted, and the


airport’s reputation for effortless travel draws people from even further afield. But for cargo, it’s all about geography and efficiency. With 85 percent of the UK


population within a four-hour truck drive, EMA is part of the global hub-and-spoke networks of major integrators. “The lack of night restrictions and ease of operation allowing goods to get from plane to truck within two hours puts it in a strong position,” Craig explained.


Powering the UK’s ambitions EMA plays a pivotal role in enabling trade, especially for time-sensitive sectors like manufacturing, automotive, and e-commerce. Its location in the East Midlands’ advanced logistics cluster—the so-called Golden Triangle—makes it integral to UK supply chains. “Air cargo services from EMA provide the international and long-distance


domestic connectivity within the region’s overall logistics network,” Craig highlighted. And the value of what moves through EMA is extraordinary. “On average, an


export tonne of goods passing through EMA is worth around £335,000,” Craig pointed out. That’s over twice the average for other UK airports, and 168 times higher than


for ports. This pattern reflects the nature of the cargo going through EMA, which is predominantly from sectors including advanced manufacturing and aerospace.


Strength in numbers As part of MAG, EMA benefits from group-wide investment and strategic alignment. “Being part of the UK’s largest airport group provides access to investment funding—with a five-year, £120 million investment programme currently underway,” Craig expressed. Beyond capital, it also gives EMA a stronger political voice and enhanced


purchasing power. “It also enables EMA to have a greater political impact—granting it a bigger voice among decision-makers and enabling greater collaboration to amplify messages around the importance of aviation to the UK economy.”


The road to net zero EMA has been a UK pioneer in sustainability. “The airport’s ground operations have been certified as carbon neutral since 2012,” Craig noted. Renewable electricity, electric vehicles, and carbon offsetting are all part of


the strategy. With its parent group MAG, EMA is taking action to support the transition to zero-carbon aviation, including new electric airfield ground vehicles and infrastructure. DHL has recently invested £16 million in electric ground service vehicles and


infrastructure at its EMA base. The airport, which boasts the UK’s first commercial-grade wind turbines on


site, also uses 100 percent renewable electricity and has joined East Midlands Hydrogen, the UK’s largest hydrogen cluster. “EMA estimates it could see a demand for around 700,000 litres of liquid hydrogen a day by 2050,” Craig added.


Looking to the future The next decade holds bold ambitions for East Midlands Airport. With air cargo volumes projected to increase by more than 50 percent by 2043, EMA is investing in scalable infrastructure to support this growth. The economic impact is expected to be immense: “Between £1.8 billion and


£3.9 billion in additional GVA, and between 5,600 and 21,300 additional jobs by 2043,” Craig declared. “Moderate growth in passenger operations is anticipated by focusing on working


with the incumbent operators to enhance their operations, as well as identifying routes that are under-served from this region but that don’t dilute operations at neighbouring airports. The airport is working with airlines with a greater focus on inbound flights from Europe,” he continued.


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  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36