Cardiff Airport secures a new freight operator with flights to China, as reported by Wales Online. European Cargo, a leading air freight operator, is establishing a base at the Welsh airport. The new operation, set to commence next week, will offer a regular freight service connecting Cardiff Airport with China. Initially, there will be three weekly flights, with plans to increase to four and potentially more in the future. The service will be facilitated by a dedicated large Airbus aircraft and is expected to create 25 new jobs.
Each flight is projected to carry around 70 tonnes of goods, amounting to approximately 1,000 tonnes per month with four flights a week. European Cargo aims to double this quantity as more flights are introduced over time. The focus at the start will be on importing goods from China, but the long-term goal is to boost exports to China. Cardiff Airport identifies freight and aviation maintenance activities as key areas for growth and diversification, reducing reliance on passenger-related revenue.
European Cargo’s decision to invest in Cardiff was influenced by the airport’s 24-hour operational capability, 230 acres of available development land, and easy access to the M4 motorway. Spencer Birns, Chief Executive of Cardiff Airport, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with European Cargo, highlighting the airport’s commitment to the economic advancement of Wales. European Cargo, known as the UK’s largest widebody cargo aircraft operator, already has a base in Bournemouth.
European Cargo’s Chief Executive, Jason Holt, praised Cardiff Airport’s advantages, including its operational infrastructure and transport links. The airport’s strategic location and facilities were key factors in attracting the investment. This development underscores the potential for growth and connectivity in the freight sector at Cardiff Airport, aligning with the airport’s broader business diversification strategy.
The collaboration between Cardiff Airport and European Cargo is positioned to enhance air freight operations in Wales and foster economic opportunities for the region. The investment heralds a new chapter in the airport’s journey towards becoming a pivotal hub for international freight movements, leveraging its logistical strengths and operational capabilities to drive growth and prosperity for Wales.