Newcastle International Airport in the northeast of England, UK has revealed plans to develop a new cargo hub that it hopes will cater for exports from the region.
The new Airlink facility will be built on a 750,000 sq ft site and, according to the airport, will have direct apron access “allowing cargo to be loaded and unloaded swiftly and efficiently from aircraft".
The site is also close to the A1 road to "ensure that goods can be quickly moved across the UK and beyond with ease".
"This makes it an ideal location for businesses handling time-sensitive shipments, such as pharmaceuticals, auto parts and other high-priority deliveries,” Newcastle Airport said.
The hub, which will be located south of the runway, is being developed in conjunction with commercial property firm Naylors Gavin Black.
A planning application is due to be submitted later this year and the airport has a preferred developer for the site.
“The search for businesses to occupy AirLink is already underway,” the airport added.
Michelle Percy, director of investment and growth at Newcastle City Council, said: “Newcastle Airport plays a central role in ensuring our city remains an attractive and accessible destination and the development of Airlink will provide a home for the ambitious, export-oriented businesses we are looking to bring to Newcastle."
Keith Stewart, partner at Naylors Gavin Black, added: “We are delighted to be working alongside Newcastle Airport to bring forward this exciting much-needed development where units proposed from 8,000 sq ft up to 170,000 sq ft can be provided suitable for a variety of uses to include airfreight, cargo, logistics and advanced manufacturing."
It is hoped the development will create thousands of jobs and boost the north east of England's economy by up to £165m a year.
Last year, the airport handled a "record high" of 6,000 tonnes despite losing FedEx to nearby Teesside Airport in the middle of the year.
In 2022, the airport appointed Aileen Wallace as cargo business development manager as it seeks to expand its cargo connections.
