20,000 new jobs could be delivered by airport's expanding cargo service

AMBITIOUS LONG-TERM PLAN FOR 'LESSER-SEEN SIDE' OF OPERATIONS

- By OLIVER PRIDMORE

THE "lesser-seen side" of East Midlands Airport could create more than 20,000 new jobs in the coming years after a major boost for the site.

Airport bosses say the expansion of the cargo operation would represent a £4 billion uplift for the economy if delivered as planned over the next 20 years.

The long-term plans involve creating an extra 122,000 sq m of warehouse space, new taxiways and stands for up to 18 extra aircraft.

The plans anticipate a 54% growth in express freight cargo volumes over the next 20 years that could support more than 20,000 new jobs.

The airport currently handles about one million packages every night, with major operators including UPS and DHL using the East Midlands as a hub.

Planes begin landing from about 6pm until the very early hours of the morning, when passenger flights then resume.

The cargo operation provides connections to 185 of the world's biggest cities including New York, Dubai, Tokyo and Mumbai.