Teesside International Airport has marked the start of a new partnership bringing cross-continental cargo flights to and from Teesside.
The UK-based air freight carrier is creating a new operational base at Teesside Airport Business Park – further strengthening the airport’s position as a key logistics gateway for the North of England.
And the deal is already seeing four-engined Airbus A340-600 long-haul freighters come to Teesside – ultimately creating 50 jobs at the airport.
Mr Edwards hailed the work done behind the scenes to strike the agreement and praised the airport’s team.
He said: “Part of the attraction here at Teesside is we’re working with the people who can make a difference. If we need something done, we’re speaking to people who can pull levers.
“It’s very exciting. It’s big thing for us – and there’s been a lot of work going on. Our engineering team has spent a lot of time up here forming very good relationships.
“It’ll be exciting to see what happens next.”
The new service provides the capacity to transport up to 375 tonnes of freight each week to open up faster, more direct export routes for UK manufacturers and businesses.
Mayor Houchen said: “This is another huge vote of confidence in our airport and having European Cargo establish a new base here with dedicated global freight flights helps seal both the airport’s future and our region as great places to do business.
“I’ll never lose sight of the importance of holiday flights for our airport – but our growing Business Park and our rising cargo operations are a huge part of our long-term plan to make the airport financially sustainable, as well as an engine to create more well-paid, high-quality jobs for local people.
“Our airport is opening up global trade routes, and this will support local firms, create jobs and attract further investment across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”
Linked by the A1(M) and A66 nearby, the East Coast Mainline, in Darlington, and just a few miles from key ports on the River Tees, Teesside Airport’s freight facilities are ideally placed in the heart of Britain to make the most of road and rail links.
Teesside Airport Managing Director Phil Forster praised European Cargo for its backing.
“It’s worth repeating that this is a transformational agreement for our airport which will propel us forward and create good quality local jobs,” he said.
“This isn’t just an opportunity for Teesside, the North East, or even just the North, it’s an opportunity for the entire UK.
“Securing a new freight base and direct links to China is pivotal and shows the confidence global operators like European Cargo have in what we are building here.
“This firmly positions the airport as a strategic location for aviation, freight and future investment as we continue to grow our role in driving the region’s economic future.”
The agreement builds on a raft of multi-million-pound investments from the private sector at Teesside Airport in the past year – including Willis Aviation Services Limited’s new £13.5million aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facility, the development of two aircraft painting facilities operated by Airbourne Colours and the ongoing construction of a new £7million hangar by aerospace firm Draken.
