East Midlands Airport has welcomed yet another new cargo airline for its first arrival as a new connection with China is established.
Central China Longhao Airlines’ first Boeing 747-400 freighter touched down at East Midlands yesterday (November 2) from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport.
The cargo airline is starting twice-weekly flights on the route, adding to the growing list of cargo operators choosing East Midlands as their gateway to the UK market.
China Central Longhao Airlines was restructured and established by Henan Civil Aviation Development & Investment Group in 2019. As a state-owned airline and the main base airline in Henan Province, it played a key role in the construction of Zhengzhou international air cargo hub, and operates its fleet throughout Asia and into Europe.
The airline’s first route to the UK comes after East Midlands Airport recorded a 6.3% (36,000 tonnes) increase in cargo volumes compared to last September. And the airport has recently advertised for a new Head of Cargo Development as the operation goes from strength to strength and long-term growth plans are put into action.
East Midlands Airport’s Commercial Director Adam Andrews 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.”
Photos show the inaugural flight arriving at EMA, and a welcome banner held by, from left, Head of Aviation David Craig, Head of Airfield Operations Leanne Skinner and Head of Corporate Affairs Ioan Reed-Aspley, all from EMA
Posted on 03 November 2026
