Aviation services group, Air Partner, a Wheels Up company, has handled Teesside International Airport’s first cargo flights as the airport is set to establish itself as the latest key cargo hub, following the closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport earlier this year.
As the UK’s most centrally located cargo hub in the country’s largest and first operational freeport, Teesside International Airport can cover 94.8% of England, Wales and Scotland in six hours.
The closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport means 10,000 tonnes of cargo must be flown elsewhere each year, and as regional airports such as Manchester and Gatwick become increasingly congested, Teesside International Airport has the capacity to provide full operations to support cargo infrastructure in the UK.
Over the past two weeks, the Air Partner Cargo Team has arranged for three Cessna aircraft to fly automotive cargo into Teesside International Airport for a global manufacturer based in the north of England, with more flights taking place in the next few days.
Pierre Van Der Stichele, Vice President of Global Cargo at Air Partner, says: “Air Partner offers 24-hour operational support for arranging aircraft handling, acting as the first point of contact for aircraft operators globally. The successful, swift mobilisation of three turboprop cargo aircraft in recent weeks is the tip of the iceberg as we intend to handle wide-body aircraft at Teesside International Airports in due course to support the growth of such a crucial cargo hub in the UK.”
Accessible from three dual carriageways serving the region, Teesside International Airport is set up to operate as a flexible hub to strengthen cargo connectivity in the UK, with a 2,291m runway, on-site fuel farm, unconstrained slot times and fast goods screening capabilities.
Walter Jones, Head of Cargo at Teesside International Airport, says: “Teesside International Airport has the capacity and the network to fulfil the current need to fly in 10,000 tonnes of cargo and more. Through working with businesses like Air Partner we know cargo will be taken care of. In two years, Teesside International Airport could be handling 20,000 tonnes of cargo per annum.”
Already providing airport security training through Air Partner Services’ Redline Assured Security, the new cargo charter partnership reinforces Air Partner Group’s long-established relationship with Teesside International Airport.
