Newcastle Airport Invests in New Cargo Handling Equipment

Newcastle Airport has strengthened its cargo handling capacity through a new equipment investment led by Samson Aviation, its on-site business partner. The newly introduced equipment is designed to manage larger and more specialised cargo consignments, compatible with both passenger and dedicated cargo aircraft.

This upgrade marks a significant step forward for the airport, enabling it to handle a broader range of cargo types—including heavy machinery, aircraft components and luxury vehicles. The move is set to support the continued growth of the region’s cargo trade, which currently sees around 4,000 tonnes of goods imported and exported annually via Newcastle Airport.

Leon McQuaid, Director of Aviation Development at Newcastle Airport, expressed his enthusiasm for the investment: “We are delighted to further reinforce Newcastle Airport’s status as a leading cargo gateway with the addition of this new equipment. It greatly expands our ability to accommodate a wider variety of cargo and underscores our commitment to supporting the growing number of businesses that choose our airport for their import and export requirements.”

Paula Ives, General Manager of Samson Aviation, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the partnership’s role in driving growth: “Our investment in this new equipment reflects Samson Aviation’s dedication to supporting Newcastle Airport’s expanding cargo operations. It will unlock more opportunities for businesses in the North East, across the UK and internationally, allowing them to transport larger and more specialised cargo efficiently and connect with key global markets.”

The enhanced cargo capabilities complement existing connectivity at Newcastle Airport, which benefits from Emirates’ daily service to Dubai. This route offers 21 tonnes of cargo capacity per flight, along with seamless onward connections to destinations worldwide.

Looking ahead, the airport has ambitious plans for its cargo operations as outlined in its 2040 Masterplan. A key proposal is the development of AirLink, a 750,000 square foot cargo hub, which is expected to create thousands of jobs and deliver an annual boost of up to £165 million to the regional economy.