One Air Shifts Base to East Midlands to Bolster UK-Hong Kong Charter Services
One Air, the UK’s dedicated cargo airline, has strategically relocated its operational base from London Heathrow to Nottingham East Midlands Airport, signaling a new phase in its commitment to enhancing its scheduled charter flights, particularly the key route to Hong Kong International. This move is set to streamline One Air’s operations by leveraging East Midlands Airport’s cargo-friendly advantages, including more flexible slot availability and minimized restrictions on night flights, aspects that are crucial for efficient cargo transportation.
Chris Hope, One Air’s Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the strategic benefits of East Midlands Airport, praising its slot availability, reduced night flying restrictions, and progressive approach towards accommodating freighter operations. These factors collectively position East Midlands as an ideal hub for One Air’s cargo services, enabling the airline to optimize its operations and better serve its clients.
One Air marked the transition with its last flight from Heathrow to Hong Kong on March 29, 2024, utilizing one of its two B747-400(BDSF) aircraft, G-UNET. This flight, which made a stopover in Muscat, symbolizes the end of an era and the beginning of a more focused and efficient operational phase from East Midlands. Following maintenance in Victorville, G-UNET is set to rejoin the fleet, further boosting One Air’s capacity.
The airline’s operational pivot to East Midlands coincided with the reintroduction of its second B747-400(BDSF), G-ONEE, to the fleet after maintenance. G-ONEE commenced service on the Hong Kong route on April 6, underscoring One Air’s dedication to this pivotal route. Since late February 2024, One Air has concentrated its efforts exclusively on connecting the UK with Hong Kong, reflecting the route’s importance to its strategic objectives.
Amidst these operational adjustments, One Air had previously announced plans to expand its fleet with a third B747 freighter in the first quarter of 2024. While the airline has yet to confirm the fruition of this expansion, the recent recruitment drive for B777-type rated pilots suggests ongoing growth initiatives and a potential broadening of its service portfolio.
One Air’s base relocation to East Midlands Airport is a strategic maneuver aimed at enhancing its service efficiency and expanding its cargo operation capabilities. By tapping into the logistical advantages offered by East Midlands, One Air is poised to solidify its position as a key player in the cargo sector, ensuring robust connectivity between the UK and Asia, particularly through its vital Hong Kong route. This strategic shift not only represents an operational optimization but also signals One Air’s ambitious vision for future growth and its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the cargo transport market.