Central China Longhao Airlines has launched a new twice-weekly freighter service connecting Zhengzhou in China with East Midlands Airport (EMA) in the UK.
The airline's first Boeing 747-400 freighter arrived at East Midlands on November 2 from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, marking the start of its first route to the UK.
The new connection further expands East Midlands Airport's international cargo network and adds to the growing number of freight operators using the airport as a gateway to the UK market.
Central China Longhao Airlines was restructured and established by Henan Civil Aviation Development & Investment Group in 2019.
The state-owned carrier, which is based in Henan Province, plays a role in supporting the development of Zhengzhou as an international air cargo hub. Its freighter network extends across Asia and into Europe.
The launch follows a period of cargo growth at East Midlands Airport, which recently reported a 6.3% year-on-year increase in freight volumes in September.
The airport is also recruiting a new head of cargo development as it progresses its longer-term expansion plans.
Adam Andrews, commercial director at East Midlands Airport, said: “We’re really pleased to welcome Central China Langhao as a new airline operating to East Midlands as its gateway into the UK.
“Longhao's decision to start operations here provides further evidence of the airport's growing strength and reputation within the rapidly evolving Chinese air cargo market.
“We are continuing to attract more cargo operators, who understand that our great central location and available capacity helped by a 24/7 operation together make us an unbeatable proposition in the UK.”
