Seamless trade powering the UK
East Midlands Airport (EMA) stands out as the UK’s largest dedicated cargo airport. It is a key player in global express freight, significantly contributing to the growth of high-value industries across the nation. EMA serves as a vital gateway that effectively links the UK to some of the world’s most important markets.
EMA serves as a central hub for leading freight airlines, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, and Royal Mail. The operational efficiency, exceptional connectivity, and cost effectiveness fuel its authority within the competitive UK market.
With continued investment plans on the horizon, EMA is set to become even more instrumental in driving UK trade forward, creating thousands of jobs and unlocking billions in economic value.
Find out more about what makes East Midlands Airport the best choice for airport cargo.
Why East Midlands Airport? The UK's #1 air freight hub
EMA is a major cargo centre at the heart of England’s road network with fast, reliable access to key UK markets. EMA is a strategic hub that supports efficient cargo and logistics operations with 85% of the population within four hours, London just three hours away, and other major cities even closer. Also, just six minutes from the M1 motorway and close to the UK’s largest logistics cluster, the airport is well-positioned for businesses looking to streamline supply chains and expand their reach.
As the UK’s largest 24/7 airport for air cargo services, EMA offers complete flexibility, operating without flight-slot restrictions, bellyhold capacity limits, or air-traffic movement constraints. Continuous investment in taxiways and aprons ensures cargo moves without delay, helping businesses maintain efficient round-the-clock operations. With these advantages, cargo flights at East Midlands Airport offer unrivalled reliability and efficiency.
East Midlands Airport is a leader in cargo in aviation with experienced freight handling that ensures goods move as efficiently as possible. An expert team handles everything from standard pallets to oversized freight, including from the world’s largest cargo planes such as the AN-225 and B747-8F. With direct apron access and a streamlined runway and taxiway layout, goods can move from plane to truck in under two hours.
East Midlands Airport offers a revolutionary and competitive pricing model for business. As part of its growth plans, East Midlands Airport has identified four potential development sites, two of which are Freeport tax sites offering investors a range of tax reliefs and customs benefits. Simplified customs procedures reduce paperwork and allow duty deferrals, helping cargo airlines stay competitive and improve profitability. This provides cargo operators with significant cost savings in cargo logistics and the supply chain.
The team is able to support you and your business goals by providing specialised support for air cargo and companies seeking freight transport solutions. Their expertise includes business development, contract management, revenue generation, market intelligence, and demand forecasting. They also manage relationships between airports and handling agents. The team works closely with partners to identify opportunities and support growth, particularly with international cargo logistics. They are a key resource for any business aiming to expand or optimise their cargo operations in regional or global markets.
Learn more about East Midlands cargo facilities
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If you would like to speak to a member of our team about the opportunity to work with us, then please get in contact us by emailing EMA.Seamlesstrade@magairports.com.