Swissport Expands Cargo Operations at East Midlands Airport to Meet Soaring Demand
Major Investment in New Facilities
Swissport has made a significant investment at East Midlands Airport (EMA), moving into a larger on-site facility that has tripled its handling capacity. This expansion comes on the back of a dramatic increase in cargo volumes at the airport, with Swissport’s own throughput doubling year-on-year. The new site, which became operational in April, has been designed with cutting-edge systems to support the company’s global ambition of becoming the leading e-commerce cargo handler across its network of 117 warehouses.
The development underscores Swissport’s confidence in East Midlands Airport as a rapidly growing cargo hub. Between May and July alone, freight volumes at EMA rose 17.4%, reaching more than 103,000 tonnes, boosted by the arrival of four new dedicated freighter airlines operating Boeing 777 and 747 aircraft.
Rapid Growth in Cargo Volumes
Swissport’s operations at EMA reflect the airport’s transformation into a major cargo gateway for the UK. The handler now manages close to 37,000 tonnes annually, up from 19,000 tonnes the previous year, and expects to surpass 50,000 tonnes in 2026. Current airline customers include Saudia Cargo, Ethiopian Cargo, Atlas Air, and One Air, which relocated its UK operations from Heathrow to EMA in 2024. Together, these partnerships have driven a surge in flight activity, with Swissport now handling 21 weekly services.
Industry analysts forecast that East Midlands Airport could experience cargo volume growth of up to 54% over the next 20 years. To prepare for this trajectory, plans are being drawn up to expand the airport’s capacity further, including the potential development of new warehousing and runway-side aircraft stands.
State-of-the-Art Facility Enhancements
The new premises have been equipped with advanced cargo-handling technology to ensure efficiency and scalability. Key features include a truck dock, a caster deck system capable of storing up to 60 aircraft positions of freight, and an automated “speed lane” to streamline the flow of unitised cargo through the facility. These improvements not only allow Swissport to meet current demand but also position it to handle more complex export services, such as the shipment of vehicles and aircraft engines.
Swissport has already begun recruiting additional staff to support the expanded operation. The company is also actively seeking agreements with other cargo airlines to further diversify its portfolio and consolidate its role as a key logistics partner at EMA.
Strategic Partnerships Driving Success
The growth at East Midlands has been enabled by close collaboration between Swissport and Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which owns and operates EMA. David Craig, Head of Aviation at East Midlands Airport, emphasised the importance of this partnership:
“We’re delighted that one of our key airport partners is playing an integral role in the ongoing development, growth, and success of our cargo operation. Working with Swissport, we were able to identify a building close to one of our main cargo aprons that has allowed them to treble their capacity and invest in improved facilities. This has enabled them to benefit immediately from new cargo operators choosing East Midlands.”
Building a Long-Term Cargo Gateway
For Swissport, the expansion is both a response to current demand and a step toward long-term growth. Luke Hayhoe, Chief Commercial Officer for Swissport UK & Ireland, highlighted the shared vision behind the project:
“The growth we’ve seen at East Midlands Airport is a true testament to the power of strong partnership and shared ambition. Our collaboration with Manchester Airports Group has enabled us to scale up quickly, adapt to evolving customer needs, and deliver real value to the cargo community. With increasing volumes, new carrier relationships, and ongoing infrastructure investment, we are building a sustainable, high-performance cargo gateway that serves today’s market while shaping the future of freight.”
A Regional and Global Impact
The investment not only strengthens Swissport’s footprint in the UK but also reinforces East Midlands Airport’s status as a central hub for international e-commerce flows. Its geographic position, strong road connectivity, and growing airline portfolio make it an attractive choice for cargo operators seeking efficient access to UK and European markets.
As the demand for e-commerce and international logistics continues to climb, the expansion ensures that EMA is well-positioned to capture a larger share of this growing sector. For Swissport, the move cements its reputation as a trusted global partner, providing scalable solutions for airlines and shippers in one of the UK’s most dynamic cargo regions.
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