Teesside International Airport and Sary-Arka Airport in Kazakhstan have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore new cargo services between the UK and Central Asia. The partnership will focus on expanding international freight networks, developing logistics infrastructure and creating new trade links between Europe and Asia.

Teesside International Airport is 75 percent owned by the Tees Valley Combined Authority, a UK regional public body, with the remainder held by the Teesside Airport Foundation. The airport has been developing its position as a UK e-commerce and air cargo hub, currently handling multiple daily flights through its cargo tenants.

Sary-Arka Airport, located in Karaganda, is a privately owned international airport operated by JSC Sary-Arka Airport under owner Sky Service LLP. It is being developed as a cargo and logistics hub linking China and Central Asia with European markets, supported by investment in cargo handling capabilities, airline partnerships and logistics infrastructure.

Under the agreement, the airports will explore scheduled and charter freighter operations, including the potential for direct cargo flights between Teesside and Karaganda, and will jointly engage with airlines, charter operators, freight forwarders and logistics companies to identify new services.

The structural driver is Sary-Arka's position on trans-Eurasian trade corridors linking China, Central Asia and Europe, complementing Teesside's established UK and European freight connectivity.

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

Ruslan Gabbassov, chief executive of Sary-Arka Airport, said, "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."

The MoU also provides for the airports to share expertise in airport, cargo and real estate development and collaborate on e-commerce cargo handling initiatives.

For the sector, the agreement illustrates how regional UK airports are positioning themselves within Eurasian trade corridors to capture growth in China-Europe cargo flows.

Source: Aviation Business News