The CAA - Civil Aviation Authority - have recently publishedtheir annual 2010 traffic statistics which confirm that
Birmingham Airport has surged into the UK air cargo top 10,
based on tonnage of cargo handled last year
.
Carried across a combination of dedicated freight flights and
on passenger services, Birmingham processed over
21 thousand tonnes of cargo in 2010, up 65% on last year
.
During 2010, freight activity accounted for 3,121 flights, with
scheduled express freight services operated to France, Ireland
and the Netherlands, plus ad-hoc services to and from points
all over Europe
.
With the dedicated cargo apron proving ideal for these operations, the Airport continues to win freight business
from around the country. As many of the consignments are
headed for major industrial and manufacturing centres
throughout the UK, Birmingham is an increasingly important
player in the logistics supply chain
.
Andrew Davies, Birmingham Airport's Head of Air Service
Development, said "We are delighted to see Birmingham
contribute to the ongoing growth in the manufacturing sector,
at such a critical time for the economy. Birmingham Airport's
24-hour, all weather capability and specialist cargo handling
partner Blue City Aviation, have proved especially useful to
the automotive sector, both nationally and locally"
.
"Many of the consignments we see pass through Birmingham
need to reach their destination urgently, so we play a major
part in keeping production lines open and we are pleased that,
with our partners, we are playing an important role in this"
.
Mike Hollick, Commercial Director at Blue City Aviation, said
"We are seeing a very positive trend in cargo movements,
indicative of a resurgence in Midlands manufacturing. The
Airport's cargo aircraft support, combined with the specialist
services provided by Blue City Aviation, ensure that Birmingham
has a reputation for rapid handling of priority cargo"
.
"We are now aiming for further growth in this sector and believe
that our bespoke service, allied with Birmingham's central location,
makes it ideal for freight operations"
.
.
Wednesday 23 March 2011