• Teesside International Airport has partnered with European Cargo to launch five weekly long-haul flights from China, using Airbus A340-600 freighters with a weekly capacity of up to 375 tonnes, creating 50 local jobs and establishing a new operational base at the airport.
• The new route reinforces the airport’s strategy to become a major logistics hub for the North of England, leveraging strong road, rail, and port connectivity to support regional businesses and attract investment across Teesside, Darlington, and Hartlepool.
• The deal is part of broader private sector investment at Teesside Airport, complementing existing projects such as aircraft maintenance, painting facilities, and a new £7million hangar, positioning the airport as a strategic UK centre for cargo, aviation, and industrial growth.

Teesside International Airport has taken a major step in cementing its role as a logistics hub, unveiling a new long-haul cargo partnership with UK-based carrier European Cargo.

A packed terminal hosted dignitaries, business leaders, and industry figures on Monday morning (16 March) to celebrate the agreement, which will bring five weekly flights from China to Teesside. The initiative sees European Cargo establishing a new operational base at Teesside Airport Business Park, strengthening the airport’s position as a key gateway for the North of England.

The service will operate four-engined Airbus A340-600 freighters, offering a weekly freight capacity of up to 375 tonnes, and is expected to create 50 jobs locally.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen opened the launch event, which also featured a panel discussion including Teesside Airport Head of Cargo Bob Matharoo, Chris Martin of The Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade, James Mason from the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, and European Cargo COO Iain Edwards.

Mr Edwards highlighted the collaborative effort behind the deal, praising the airport’s team for their responsiveness and commitment. “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,” he said. “It’s very exciting. It’s a 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.”

Mayor Houchen said the new route reinforces the airport’s long-term strategy. “This is another huge vote of confidence in our airport. European Cargo establishing a base here with dedicated global freight flights helps secure both the airport’s future and our region as a great place to do business,” he said. “Our growing Business Park and rising cargo operations are a huge part of our plan to make the airport financially sustainable while creating more well-paid, high-quality jobs for local people. This will support local firms, create jobs, and attract further investment across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”

With excellent road, rail, and port links – including proximity to the A1(M), A66, East Coast Mainline, and key River Tees ports – Teesside Airport is well placed to capitalise on the new freight operations.

Teesside Airport Managing Director Phil Forster described the deal as “transformational”. “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,” he said. “This isn’t just an opportunity for Teesside or the North East, it’s an opportunity for the entire UK. It firmly positions the airport as a strategic location for aviation, freight and future investment.”

The agreement adds to a wave of private sector investment at the airport, including Willis Aviation Services Limited’s £13.5million aircraft maintenance facility, two aircraft painting operations by Airbourne Colours, and the ongoing construction of a £7million hangar by aerospace firm Draken.

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