SF Express has introduced its Boeing 747 freighter to East Midlands Airport, enhancing its commitment to the UK cargo hub.
China's SF Express has flown its own Boeing 747 freighter into East Midlands Airport for the first time, signalling a deeper commitment to the UK cargo hub, reports Mumbai's STAT Trade Times.
The flight from Ezhou Huahu International Airport on March 8 marked a shift from chartered capacity to direct operations. East Midlands Airport stated that this move reflects a longer-term presence by the Chinese logistics firm, which is among eight carriers that have launched new services at the hub in the past year.
Ezhou Huahu, developed by SF Express in collaboration with Hubei province, is China's first cargo-focused airport. The company ranks among Asia's largest integrated logistics providers and is one of the biggest globally. Its own aircraft deployment adds to East Midlands' activity as the United Kingdom's largest dedicated freight airport.
The airport's central England location allows operators to reach most of the UK population within four hours by road. Cargo volumes rose by 12 percent in 2025, accounting for more than a third of national growth, although aircraft movements fell by 7 percent as operators shifted to larger long-haul freighters.
East Midlands Airport Commercial Director Adam Andrews stated that SF Express has been a valued partner and that the arrival of its 747 freighter is a significant milestone. He added that the central UK hub provides efficient connections for global supply chains and that this deployment signals the company's long-term commitment.
