Chinese cargo airline Central Airlines has begun operating Boeing 777 freighter flights from China to East Midlands Airport (EMA) in the UK on behalf of Chinese logistics express firm YunExpress.
The flights will operate in and out of China initially twice a week but YunExpress, owned by e-commerce infrastructure service provider Zongteng Group, has plans to increase frequency in the future.
EMA confirmed to Air Cargo News that Central flies from Tianjin (TSN) to EMA and return flights are from EMA to Xiamen (XMN).
These are also the first regular flights to any UK airport that the Chinese cargo companies have carried out, pointed out EMA.
The flight arriving into EMA on 13 May will be greeted by representatives from the Chinese Embassy to the UK, Chinese Chamber of Commerce and East Midlands Chamber of Commerce.
East Midlands Airport’s managing director, Steve Griffiths said: “I’m delighted we have landed this deal with Central Airlines and YunExpress, the first Chinese cargo operators here, making us the first UK airport to take their flights.
“These new operators are a major coup for the airport and point to our status as the UK’s best-placed airport for the ongoing growth in express air cargo. While there are constraints at many other airports, we have capacity for more cargo flights, can operate 24/7 and can quickly get goods from aircraft to anywhere in the UK.
“YunExpress’s plans, and Central Airlines’ commitment to twice-weekly flights initially, together provide a long-term presence at East Midlands.”
Bole Xia, general manager of YunExpress, said: "We are thrilled to collaborate with East Midlands Airport, marking a milestone for YunExpress as our owned freighter first touches down in the UK. This new route not only expands our European network but also reinforces our commitment to delivering faster, more reliable services to our customers.
“With EMA’s strategic location at the heart of the UK’s thriving e-commerce sector, we are confident in our ability to enhance delivery speed and efficiency. This achievement reflects our ongoing dedication to innovation and excellence in global logistics."
Central Airlines began operating a 777F from Shenzhen to the Middle East and Europe in 2022 for Zongteng subsidiary YunExpress.
The airline carried out its first Shenzhen to Paris 777F flight for YunExpress in January 2023.
YunExpress also has a 777F charter agreement with lessor Atlas Air for e-commerce flights between China and the US.
