19 December 2025
New investment in Bournemouth Airport’s cargo handling facilities marks a significant step for both Cargo First, the airport’s dedicated cargo division, and European Cargo, strengthening a long-standing operational relationship that supports the growing demands of our fleet.
The new facilities include expanded airside parking stands, a larger cargo warehouse and increased landside space designed for faster access to loading and service areas. All freight activity is now consolidated in a purpose-built zone with room for continued growth across both organisations.
Supporting growth with improved efficiency and availability
The expansion arrives at a time of rapid growth at Bournemouth Airport’s cargo operation. In the 12 months leading to March 2025, Cargo First handled a record 31,000 tonnes of freight, a 70% increase year on year — primarily driven by an increase in e-commerce imports and growing UK exports.
Our fleet of A340-600s has played a significant role in this unprecedented growth, with our own investment efforts to restore and convert additional aircraft, doubling the size of our fleet this year.
Many clients select major city hubs for imports; however, regional airports often provide a more efficient operation. Goods can be unloaded, processed and on the road within a few hours, providing faster onward delivery and avoiding the delays or traffic associated with busier hubs.
“The completion of these new facilities marks a significant milestone for Bournemouth Airport and Cargo First. They not only provide the infrastructure to support our fast-growing cargo business but also reinforce our position as a highly attractive alternative to congested London hubs,” said Steve Gill, Managing Director of Bournemouth Airport. “With record volumes already passing through the airport last year, this investment underlines our ambitions as the UK’s newest import/export air hub.”
New dedicated facilities supporting European Cargo’s operation
This investment gives us access to the following operational features at Bournemouth:
- Airside works: three ICAO Code E parking stands for aircraft up to Airbus A340 size, 15,450m² of new concrete pavement, 7,000 tonnes of tarmac resurfacing, and associated airside works, including airside roads, taxiway resurfacing and a new vehicle checkpoint.
- Customs-bonded cargo centre: a 3,000m² Customs-bonded warehouse (double the size of the previous facility) with a 450m² powered cargo transit system, personnel and cargo screening, office accommodation, airside and landside welfare facilities, and in-flight catering storage.
- Landside access: 4,000m² new paved area delivered within a brownfield site, incorporating improved access, new truck parking bays and an enlarged landside service yard area.
These developments offer clear improvements to our operation and handling efficiency at every stage:
- Additional stand availability for our fleet of A340s
- Faster aircraft offloading and turnaround
- Improved access for trucks and landside handling
Iain Edwards, Chief Operating Officer at European Cargo, commented: “The new facilities are a real boost to our business. Bournemouth Airport offers us the flexibility and speed that are critical in air cargo, and the expansion means we can look forward to handling even more volumes efficiently. It’s a huge advantage to operate away from the congestion of the London hubs, while still being able to deliver consignments into the London market faster than if we flew there directly.”
The investment strengthens our operational base at Bournemouth and is set to help us continue to deliver efficient and reliable cargo operations for clients globally.
