Airport lands ‘exciting’ global cargo deal

A North East airport is aiming to become more “globally connected” through a new partnership designed to strengthen cargo links between the UK, Central Asia and China.

Teesside International Airport has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sary-Arka Airport in Kazakhstan to explore new air cargo services and expand international freight networks.

Bosses say the agreement will see the airports share expertise in airport, cargo and real estate development, while collaborating on e-commerce cargo handling initiatives.

They will also explore scheduled and charter freighter operations between Teesside and Sary-Arka and jointly engage with airlines, charter operators, freight forwarders and logistics companies over potential new routes.

This could include direct cargo flights between Teesside and Karaganda, where Sary-Arka is being developed as an international cargo and logistics hub.

Phil Forster, managing director of Teesside International Airport, said: “This agreement represents an exciting opportunity for Teesside International Airport as we continue to strengthen our position as a growing cargo gateway connecting the UK with key global markets.

“Sary-Arka Airport shares many of our ambitions and is strategically positioned as an important cargo hub between Europe and Asia.

“By working together, we can identify new freight opportunities, support airline growth, share expertise and create stronger links for businesses across our respective regions. 

“We believe this partnership can play an important role in developing future trade routes and enhancing connectivity between Teesside, Central Asia and China.”

Located on trans-Eurasian trade corridors, the Kazakhstan airport is expanding its cargo handling capacity, airline partnerships and logistics infrastructure to support freight moving between China, Central Asia and Europe.

Teesside, meanwhile, has been growing its presence as a UK e-commerce and air cargo hub, attracting international freight forwarders and expanding its on-airport cargo operations.

It currently handles multiple daily flights through its cargo tenants, with further scheduled services to Europe and Asia expected to be announced.

Ruslan Gabbassov, chief executive of Sary-Arka Airport, added: “Karaganda and Teesside have highly complementary positions in the emerging global cargo network. 

“Teesside provides strong access to the UK and European markets, while Sary-Arka is strategically located at the heart of Eurasia, with direct access to the rapidly growing trade flows between China, Central Asia and Europe.

“This partnership is therefore not simply about establishing a route between two airports. 

“It is about combining our respective strengths to develop new cargo flows, attract airlines and logistics operators, and create more efficient connections between our markets.

“For Sary-Arka Airport, this MoU is an important part of our strategy to develop Karaganda as an international cargo and logistics hub. 

“We look forward to working with Teesside as an equal partner to turn these opportunities into commercially sustainable cargo services and long-term trade links.”

The partnership is also designed to improve access to freight capacity for businesses and create stronger trade links between the Tees Valley, Kazakhstan and wider Asian markets.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “We have worked incredibly hard to transform Teesside International Airport into a thriving centre for business, logistics and international trade, and this agreement is another important step forward in that journey.

“Building relationships with ambitious international partners such as Sary-Arka Airport creates real opportunities for our businesses to access new markets and strengthens Teesside’s position as a globally connected region.

“As we continue to grow our cargo operation and attract further investment, partnerships like this will help unlock new routes, support jobs and drive economic growth across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”

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