Newcastle Airport advances plans for AirLink cargo hub to expand air freight capacity
Plans to expand air cargo operations at Newcastle International Airport are moving forward as the airport progresses proposals for a major logistics development designed to strengthen freight capacity and attract new operators.
image: Newcastle Airport
The project, known as AirLink, would create a 620,000 sq ft logistics and cargo facility on land south of the runway, providing dedicated space for cargo airlines, freight forwarders and ground handling agents. The airport says the development could support up to 1,000 direct jobs onsite and a further 900 roles across supply chains and partner businesses.
The proposed hub forms part of the airport’s strategy to build on its existing cargo operations, which currently handle around 4,000t of goods each year. AirLink would provide modern units with direct apron access, enabling faster loading and unloading of aircraft and improving the handling of time-critical shipments.
The development is expected to serve sectors including pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing and automotive supply chains, where rapid and reliable logistics are essential.
The airport has appointed Buccleuch Property, working with Argon Properties, as the preferred development partner for the scheme and intends to submit a planning application in the near future.
Alice Andreasen, chief corporate affairs officer at Newcastle Airport, said the scheme would support both regional growth and the airport’s cargo ambitions. “AirLink is an exciting development that would deliver major benefits for the North East – creating thousands of jobs, generating millions for the economy and unlocking more investment opportunities.
“This development would also build on the significant contribution the Airport already makes to the regional economy – it already adds more than £1bn in Gross Value Added (GVA) each year and is one of the region’s largest employers with around 3,500 people onsite and a further 17,000 roles are supported through its supply chain.”
“Newcastle Airport has made a strong commitment to invest in its cargo services to meet growing demand and AirLink has the potential to transform our operations even further, strengthening the region’s position as a leading cargo gateway.”
Phil Witcherley, director of economic growth and innovation at the North East Combined Authority, said, “Newcastle Airport is a major regional asset and AirLink is exactly the type of development that would help drive further growth and investment in the region.
“With the potential to create thousands of new jobs, the facility would significantly strengthen the region’s logistics and supply chain capabilities and it sends a clear message that the North East is growing, ambitious and fit to compete on a global stage.”
If approved, the project would represent one of the largest logistics developments linked to an airport in the region and is expected to support the growth of air cargo services in the North East.