Bournemouth Airport’s Cargo First air freight business has announced the commencement of a new regular air cargo service between China and the UK.
The new route is part of a strategic partnership with Shenzhen Sharing Express Logistic-Tech Ltd (SSELT) aimed at expanding Bournemouth Airport’s cargo operation.
SSELT has initiated the first all-cargo service between Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in China and Bournemouth Airport in the UK.
The new service, which is operated by Bournemouth-based European Cargo, will use all-cargo A-340 wide-bodied freighters with a capacity of 70 tonnes.
Initially, there will be three flights per week, with plans to increase the frequency to five flights per week in the future.
The route has received support from the China Council for the Promotion of National Trade and China Post, offering an efficient solution for cross-border e-commerce sellers in south-west China to reach the UK market.
SSELT is also targeting UK exporters for return legs, supporting the flow of UK goods to the China market.
The new route strengthens Bournemouth’s growing reputation as a strategic freight hub. The airport is the only unconstrained airport in Southern England and offers a One Team approach where every aspect of the process is controlled, airside and landslide.
Additionally, being located just 90 minutes from London means shipments can reach customer warehouses in half the time it would take going through a London hub airport.
Bournemouth Airport managing director Steve Gill, said: “We’re delighted that Cargo First is part of this strategic partnership with SSELT and European Cargo, offering a fast and efficient route for cross border e-commerce into the UK.
“Together we can save customers a lot of time in a time-sensitive market. That’s a huge selling point, and one that we are taking to Air Cargo Europe next week. [May 9-10]
“Working with European Cargo we’ve proven Bournemouth as a viable alternative gateway to London and the South East for commercial air cargo.
“Cross border e-commerce continues to experience strong growth and we are seeing a lot of providers like SSELT scouting for alternatives to the London hubs because they want airports that can handle that growth into the future.”
European Cargo’s chief executive David Kerr said: “We have extensive experience of the China market and this new route from Chengu to Bournemouth establishes an exciting new trade corridor that ensures the timely delivery of e-commerce goods from south west China to UK consumers.
“It also creates significant opportunities for UK exports back to China and is among a range of potential routes that we are looking to grow.”
