• European Cargo and Cargo First have expanded their operations at Bournemouth Airport with new cargo facilities, including larger aircraft stands, a bonded warehouse, and improved landside access.
• The investment follows a 70 percent year-on-year rise in freight volumes, driven by e-commerce and UK exports.
• With additional A340 capacity and faster turnaround times, Bournemouth is positioning itself as a high-speed, low-congestion alternative to London’s major hubs.

European Cargo and Cargo First, the dedicated cargo division of Bournemouth Airport, have strengthened their long-standing partnership through a major infrastructure upgrade, designed to support surging demand and a rapidly expanding A340 freighter fleet.

The investment includes the delivery of new ICAO Code E parking stands, a significantly larger customs-bonded warehouse, and expanded landside facilities that streamline truck access and cargo handling. All freight operations are now centralised within a purpose-built cargo zone, creating headroom for continued volume growth and more efficient operations across both organisations.

The upgrade comes amid rapid momentum at the UK regional gateway. In the 12 months to March 2025, Cargo First handled a record 31,000 tonnes of freight — a 70 percent year-on-year increase — fuelled by strong inbound e-commerce flows and a rise in UK export activity.

European Cargo, which has doubled its A340-600 fleet through aircraft restoration and conversion programmes, is one of the key drivers of that growth. The company sees regional airports as a strategic alternative to congested major hubs, particularly for time-sensitive imports where rapid unloading and onward transit are essential.

“The new facilities are a real boost to our business,” said Iain Edwards, Chief Operating Officer at European Cargo. “Bournemouth Airport offers the flexibility and speed that are critical in air cargo. The expansion allows us to scale efficiently while still delivering into the London market faster than if we flew there directly.”

The infrastructure package includes 15,450m² of new concrete pavement, resurfaced taxiways, a 3,000m² bonded warehouse with integrated screening and transit systems, and 4,000m² of new landside access space with truck bays and an enlarged service yard.

Steve Gill, Managing Director of Bournemouth Airport, said the development “marks a significant milestone” and reinforces the airport’s ambition to position itself as a viable alternative to London’s constrained air cargo gateways.

“With record volumes already passing through the airport, this investment underlines our ambitions as the UK’s newest import/export air hub,” he added.