Leading global cross-border logistics provider YunExpress has been given the green light to start operations at a new cargo handling facility it has developed at East Midlands Airport.

The move bolsters the airport’s cargo growth plans and its status as the UK’s number one express air freight hub. It also marks the first Chinese cargo handling company based at a UK airport, giving YunExpress full integrated plane-to-door cargo capability in the UK — a critical capability for the fast-growing cross-border e-commerce market.

The firm has teams on site preparing to handle its first flight on April 30 after its recognition as a Regulated Agent by the Civil Aviation Authority and ITSF (Internal Temporary Storage Facility) approval from Border Force.

YunExpress began operating its own Boeing 777F freighter flights into East Midlands Airport from China last May, in partnership with Central Airlines. It will initially handle cargo for Central Airlines flights – currently four per week each carrying 100 tonnes of goods. The aim is to provide services to other carriers, with capacity and capability to support further flights in the near future.

The company has developed its new 7,000sqm facility in an existing warehouse at the airport. It will employ around 40 staff at the site.

East Midlands Airport’s Commercial Director Adam Andrew said: “We’re thrilled to have YunExpress on board as a cargo handler, following on from the flights they launched just under a year ago. This investment by YunExpress is further evidence of the importance of East Midlands Airport as the UK’s largest dedicated freighter airport, with YunExpress and their future clients able to take advantage of 24/7 unrestricted airport operations and access to 80% of the UK population within four hours.

“Their investment here is a shot in the arm for our cargo growth ambitions, which could see four large plots on the airfield developed with new cargo facilities. We fully anticipate YunExpress expanding their operation to support the growing number of cargo operators choosing East Midlands Airport as their UK hub.”

Orson Wang, General Manager of YunExpress UK, said: “The launch of our East Midlands Airport operation marks a significant milestone in YunExpress’s UK and wider European growth strategy. Following a thorough evaluation of potential locations, East Midlands Airport stood out for its central location, strong cargo infrastructure and efficient access to the wider UK market. With the necessary approvals now in place, we are pleased to begin operations and to further strengthen YunExpress’s global service network, which supports cross-border e-commerce flows across major international markets.

“We are looking at opportunities to work with airlines other than Central and believe we are particularly well placed to support Chinese operators as we really understand their needs. We are investing here for the long-term, with a view to developing our business into a fully integrated, end-to-end logistics operation under the YunExpress brand.”