Teesside International Airport in the UK northeast has welcomed its first FedEx flight after signing a five-year deal for an airfreight handling facility at the airport.

The first flight of the new partnership was carried out by a Boeing 737-400 (OE-IAE) and arrived at Teesside from Edinburgh Airport on Monday evening.

Alun Cornish, managing director of ramp and gateways operations for Northern Europe for FedEx, said: “It’s always a joy to see the first plane come in to land at a new site. Teesside International Airport was chosen because it provides excellent access to Yorkshire and the Northeast and we’re seeing increased import and export demand from customers in this region, as businesses in this area continue to grow in number and strength.

“Our road operation being based out of the airport at Hangar 1 means we’ll also be able to get packages from flights into the road even more quickly, making the decision to set-up at Teesside even more beneficial for our customers.”

Teesside International Airport managing director Phil Forster added: “This is a significant step into the cargo market and we look forward to growing our operations further in the future thanks to the investments taking place across the airport estate.”

FedEx has transferred its eight inbound and outbound flights to Teesside from Newcastle Airport.

The cargo operation will provide capacity for just under 90 tonnes of cargo to be transported through the airport each week.

The company has also recommitted to its existing road operation by signing a separate five-year lease.

The airport has been investing in its cargo infrastructure over recent years. In January, it was approved as a Border Control Point (BCP) meaning it can handle perishable produce such as flowers, fruit and vegetables.

This development comes after the airport opened a £2.5m freight facility last year, which offers a 21,000 sq ft hangar with security screening technology, handling, freight forwarding, customs clearage and storage.