The airline's A330-200F charter flights mark continued expansion at EMA, which reports 11.4% cargo volume growth amid infrastructure developments
Hong Kong Air Cargo (HKAC) has become the seventh cargo airline to begin operations at East Midlands Airport (EMA) in the seven months since the hub launched its cargo growth plans.
EMA said the first flight by HKAC into the airport took place on 18 November and operated on a charter arrangement using one of the airline’s A330-200 freighters.
HKAC is "initially running a series of charter flights between Hong Kong and East Midlands Airport", according to EMA.
Outside of Asia, HKAC has steadily expanded into Europe, in part to meet e-commerce demand in the region. To support its operations into the UK, the airline has previously invested in connections at several airports.
In February this year, the airline began flying to Glasgow Prestwick (PIK) and in October last year, it launched a route to Birmingham (BHX). In February 2024, the airline also started operating to London Stansted (STN).
HKAC currently has five A330-200Fs that are dry leased from its parent company Hong Kong Airlines, plus an EFW-converted Airbus A330-300P2F that is on ACMI lease.
The airline joins six other carriers that have all recently started operating at the airport. These include Central Airlines, Atlas Air, Ethiopian Cargo, Saudia Cargo, Etihad Cargo and SF Express.
EMA's May-October cargo volumes increased 11.4% year on year, following the launch of its cargo development plans in May.
The airport, which operates 24/7, said its growth plans include four runway-side plots totalling 50 hectares that are earmarked for cargo developments to meet an estimated 54% growth in demand in the next two decades.
As well as the addition of new airlines to the airport's operations, there have also been some other recent cargo developments.
Ground handling firm Swissport and logistics giant FedEx have both moved into larger premises at the airport to meet rising demand; plus more widebody aircraft stands were created to accommodate extra cargo aircraft.
East Midlands Airport’s commercial director Adam Andrews said: “Our cargo operation continues to go from strength to strength, with unprecedented growth in operators and freight volumes over the last seven months.
“We’re delighted to welcome Hong Kong Air Cargo to the airport and look forward to working with them to further strengthen the China-UK trade links that East Midlands is playing such a vital role in. Their arrival comes as operations begin to ramp up towards Christmas as everyone searches for the perfect gifts for their loved ones.”
Hong Kong Air Cargo’s chairman Tony Ma said: “We are delighted to commence our charter operations to East Midlands Airport, one of the busiest air cargo hubs in the UK.
“The service demonstrates our commitment to providing tailored air freight solutions for our customers. We thank the airport for its support and excellent facilities.”
