Newcastle International Airport has recently added a Champ 140 Main Deck Loader to its cargo handling fleet, opening up opportunities to accommodate a wider range of cargo aircraft at the airport.
The Champ 140 can lift up to 14 tons of cargo to a height of 5.6 meters, allowing it to reach the main deck of wide-bodied freight aircraft, thereby facilitating larger-scale cargo operations and increasing the airport’s freight capacity.
Air cargo plays a significant role in the economic growth of the North of England, as highlighted in the 'International Trade and Connectivity in the North report, which states that it supports over 1.2 million jobs in exports and supply chains. The airport is utilized by global industries to transport goods such as pharmaceuticals, power-generating machinery, and animals worldwide.
With daily cargo movements and ad-hoc charters from the region’s largest airport, the addition of the main deck loader is expected to not only increase the size of aircraft and payloads that can be handled but also benefit stakeholders across the North of England and Scotland by supporting broader exporting needs.
Aileen Wallace, Cargo Development Manager at Newcastle International Airport, expressed excitement about the expansion, stating:
“Newcastle International Airport already has fantastic capabilities and is home to over 18 airlines, handling over 400 tonnes of cargo every month. It is clear that there is a demand for greater export capacity across the region, and the addition of this equipment allows us to continue to grow our cargo presence across the region with the infrastructure to facilitate further growth and serve larger aircraft in the future.”
The addition of the Champ 140 Main Deck Loader to Newcastle International Airport’s cargo handling fleet is expected to enhance the airport’s capabilities in handling larger aircraft and payloads, supporting the region’s export needs, and further strengthening its position as a key hub for air cargo operations in the North of England.