What’s in the box…?

Logistics provider YunExpress has begun operations at a new cargo handling facility based at East Midlands Airport, bolstering the airport’s cargo growth plans and status as one of the UK’s express air freight hubs.

It marks the first time a Chinese cargo handling company has been based at a UK airport, providing YunExpress with full integrated plane-to-door capability in the UK at the 7,000 square metre site.

It began operating its own Boeing 777F freighter flights into the aiport from China last May in partnership with Central Airlines, which it will initially handle cargo for. Four per week are expected to go, each carrying around 100 tonnes of goods. The aim is to provide services to other carriers in the near future.

Cargo in the south east strengthened with London Gatwick acquisition 

London Gatwick has strengthened the resilience and long-term growth of freight across the south east of England with the acquisition of the World Cargo Centre. In doing so, it brings one of the most strategically important cargo locations under the airport’s operational control.

The 1,747 square metre World Cargo Centre sits alongside the airfield and plays a key role in how freight moves through the airport. Most freight currently handled at London Gatwick travels in the hold of long-haul passenger aircraft.

By integrating the site into its operational estate, London Gatwick is ensuring vital trade routes can continue to support UK businesses reliably and efficiently, while enabling future airfield investment linked to its Northern Runway programme.

Versatile cargo handling crane in action 

The Port of Hartlepool’s £2 million investment in a cargo handling crane, the Sennebogen, is helping to improve efficiency, versatility and accuracy.

With a range of grab attachments, the mobile asset can be used to handle a wide variety of cargoes, from breakbulk cargo to steel products, alongside renewables including bales and pallets and dry bulks such as talc and rutile sand.

Its versatility enables it to operate anywhere in the port, from the quay edge to the back reaches of the site, with advanced hydraulics and precision controls that mean even the most challenging loads can be handled with ease.