Galliford Try to expand aircraft parking space at East Midlands Airport

Galliford Try has started work on a project to build more aircraft parking space at East Midlands Airport (EMA) in a bid to accommodate the cargo growth.

The airport is in the process of improving its infrastructure for efficient loading and unloading by aircraft at busy times.

The east apron and a large concrete area at the M1 end of the airfield will be widened to allow up to four more aircraft to be parked at any one time.

Additionally, on the east side of the airport, UPS’s new facility is being developed with a £114m investment to double the size of the operation.

East Midlands Airport managing director Karen Smart said: “As the UK’s second largest cargo airport after Heathrow and the UK’s number one for dedicated air cargo traffic, we are an important national asset.

“Each year an estimated £50bn of UK imports and exports are handled at EMA much of which is serviced by express operators who offer a ‘next-day’ service to destinations across the world.

“Because we make an important economic contribution to the UK, continued investment in our infrastructure is key to facilitate regional and national economic growth and the attractiveness of this region because of its global connectivity.”

Galliford Try is carrying out the apron expansion work at EMA. The company delivered the runway resurfacing project over two years ago and the central apron improvements last year at the airport.

Galliford Try Aviation director Colin Abbott said: “We’re delighted to work with East Midlands Airport on this key expansion project and to be further strengthening the collaborative relationship we have fostered with them through the delivery of many successful projects at the airport.”