This is the kind of news we have long hoped to share.
As supporters of Teesside International Airport, we are absolutely delighted to see confirmation that a major new long-haul cargo operation is launching from our airport – with direct flights to China beginning this month.
UK-based global freight carrier European Cargo has announced it will establish a new operational base at Teesside Airport Business Park in a multi-million-pound investment that firmly strengthens the airport’s role as a key logistics gateway for the North of England.
Five Weekly Flights – 375 Tonnes of Opportunity
The agreement will see five weekly cargo flights operating to a major strategic trade hub in China, providing up to 375 tonnes of freight capacity every week.
For manufacturers and exporters across Teesside, County Durham, North Yorkshire and beyond, this means:
- Faster, more direct export routes
- Reduced reliance on congested southern airports
- Improved global connectivity for regional businesses
This is not just another route announcement. It is a transformational step in positioning Teesside as a serious player in international freight.
The Aircraft: Airbus A340-600 Freighters
The flights will be operated using European Cargo’s dedicated fleet of Airbus A340-600 long-haul freighters.
Each aircraft can carry up to 76 metric tonnes of cargo – the equivalent of around 12 adult African elephants – and significantly, they will be the largest aircraft currently operating regular services into Teesside.
For aviation enthusiasts across the region, the arrival of these impressive four-engined widebodies will be a remarkable sight and another milestone in the airport’s growing operations.
A “Transformational Agreement”
Teesside Airport Managing Director Phil Forster described the deal as:
“A transformational agreement for our airport and a further major milestone in delivering on our ambition to establish Teesside as a leading UK centre for the aviation and logistics industry.”
He added that securing a freight base and direct links to China is:
“A pivotal moment that significantly strengthens our commercial offering and demonstrates the confidence global operators have in what we are building here.”
That confidence is something we at Friends of Teesside International Airport have always believed in. This agreement shows that the wider aviation industry now recognises the airport’s strategic potential too.
Confidence in Teesside’s Future
European Cargo’s Chief Operating Officer Iain Edwards said the new base marks:
“A significant step forward in our mission to connect UK businesses with global markets.”
He highlighted the 375 tonnes of weekly capacity and described Teesside as a “premier logistics gateway”, adding that the investment reflects strong confidence in the region’s infrastructure and future.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen called the move a “hugely significant announcement”, describing it as a clear vote of confidence in both the airport and the wider regional economy.
Part of a Bigger Picture
This deal builds on a series of major private-sector investments at Teesside over the past year, including:
- A £13.5 million maintenance, repair and overhaul facility by Willis Aviation Services Limited
- Two aircraft painting facilities operated by Airbourne Colours
- A new £7 million hangar constructed by aerospace firm Draken
Together, these developments show clear momentum.
For those of us who have supported Teesside International Airport through its most challenging years, this is a proud moment. Long-haul cargo flights to China, operated by widebody Airbus A340-600 freighters, represent not just new aircraft on the runway – but new confidence, new jobs, and new global connections for our region.
We look forward to seeing these aircraft touch down and to watching this exciting new chapter unfold.