China’s Central Airlines has launched a new year-round cargo service to East Midlands Airport, marking its first UK operation. The service is operated on behalf of logistics firm YunExpress and runs twice weekly between Xiamen and Nottingham via Tianjin, with the return leg non-stop to Xiamen.
The route is served by a B777-200F aircraft, with flight data showing that the aircraft has been operating into Nottingham every three days since its initial arrival on 5 May. The official inaugural flight was conducted on 13 May.
YunExpress is also expanding its physical footprint at the airport with the development of a dedicated warehouse facility, signalling a longer-term commitment to the region’s logistics infrastructure.
East Midlands Airport has recently seen a rise in international cargo activity, with new freight services from Ethiopian Airlines and Atlas Air also commencing in May.
Central Airlines operates a mixed fleet that includes two B737-300Fs, four B737-800BCFs, and four B777-200Fs. The airline is focusing on growing its widebody operations while scaling back its narrowbody fleet.
