Global Aviation Maintenance Specialists

The international air cargo market is experiencing significant growth. According to IATA data, 2024 saw a record-breaking increase in demand as cargo tonne-kilometres (CTK) surged 11.3% year-on-year, with international operations up 12.2% compared to 2023. For 2025, IATA anticipates further growth of about 5.8%. Statistics from market intelligence consultancy, Research And Markets, indicate that the global air cargo market accounted for US $131.6 billion in 2024, with growth expected at a 6.3% CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) through 2030, reaching US $190.3 billion. Despite accounting for less than 1% of global freight by volume, air cargo is responsible for around 35% of global trade value. Unsurprisingly, the Asia-Pacific region stands out as the global air freight powerhouse. Growth here has consistently outpaced other regions, with an estimated CAGR of about 5% annually. China dominates the air cargo landscape, contributing over 20% of global freight exports by air. Digital commerce is turbocharging this growth trend. A surge in e-commerce has contributed to a nearly 20% rise in air freight demand since 2019, and express shipments now comprise a significant chunk of total revenues, in addition to critical deliveries which constitute the backbone of air freight, such as electronics, pharmaceuticals and perishable goods, that demand speed of transport. Zooming in on the UK, the air freight sector shows a steady upward trend. The UK air freight market was valued at approximately US $10.5 billion in 2024, with projections placing it at US $16.5 billion by 2033, supported by a CAGR of 4.5% between 2025 and 2033. Logistics UK reports consistent year-on-year growth, with air freight demand up 11.9% and capacity expanding by 13.4% in 2024. Notably, belly hold space in passenger aircraft increased sharply, enhancing overall cargo volumes and highlighting the flexibility of UK operators. Alongside the growth in volumes, there has been a notable shift in the air freight infrastructure. Historically, London Heathrow has been the UK’s main cargo gateway, handling about 1.54 million tonnes in 2024. However, East Midlands Airport (EMA) is now edging ahead in growth, with cargo volumes rising nearly 20% recently, compared to just 2.7% at Heathrow. In absolute terms, whilst Heathrow managed 1.6 million tonnes last year, East Midlands reached 375,000 tonnes, including 113,000 tonnes in the past quarter alone. East Midlands’ rise is strategic, as the airport has dedicated freight operations, less congestion, lower fees, and expanding routes, particularly to China. New entrants and route expansions are reinforcing its role as the UK’s preferred express freight hub. In response to the significant expansion in cargo operations at EMA, leading MRO service provider, BCT Aviation Maintenance , has announced two brand new line maintenance contracts at the airport. Operating two Boeing 777F aircraft, Chinese cargo carrier, Central Airlines, has appointed BCT Aviation Maintenance to manage its line maintenance support. Similarly, African freight carrier, Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services, is also operating a Boeing 777F between the UK and China twice per week and BCT has signed an agreement to manage line maintenance at EMA for the airline. The new maintenance deals have helped to reinforce BCT’s position as a major provider of line maintenance services with bases at five airports in the UK and Ireland, as well as East Midlands Airport’s status as the UK’s foremost express air freight hub. Commenting on the new customer contracts, Jim smith , Commercial Director, BCT Aviation Maintenance, said: “We’re delighted to have been appointed line maintenance provider for both Central Airlines and Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services at East Midlands Airport. BCT takes a proactive approach to maintenance that minimises deferred defects and maximises high dispatch reliability, which ensures that our dedicated engineering support delivers the highest levels of operational safety. Having been established at EMA for over 15 years, it’s so gratifying for us to see how much the airport has developed and how important it has become to the UK for air freight. We look forward to continuing this development journey as a major airport partner.” Air cargo’s role in UK trade is set for further expansion as industry adapts to evolving global patterns, regulatory landscapes, and consumer demands. Continued emphasis on strategic investments, network optimisation, and e-commerce logistics will position the UK at the forefront of air cargo growth, maintaining supply chain resilience and supporting broader economic advancement.

Confirming its position a leading MRO based at East Midlands Airport (EMA), BCT Aviation Maintenance has made a six-figure investment in new hangar equipment and airside vehicles. This comes ahead of a full-capacity winter maintenance programme. BCT’s Hangar facility at EMA will welcome six customer Boeing 737NG aircraft between October and December for routine annual maintenance checks, with a further six aircraft scheduled between January and March 2026. In advance of the first aircraft’s arrival, BCT has taken delivery of new Genie platform lifts, as well as four tripod airframe jacks from HYDRO Systems GmbH & Co. KG and four new vans from Ron Brooks Motor Group . The four vehicles are Toyota Proace Icon EV vans, as part of BCT’s objective to increase the sustainability of its airside operations by utilising zero-emission vehicles. In addition, a brand new hydraulic ground power unit and RAT (Ram Air Turbine) test rig are due to be delivered in the next few months. All of BCT’s latest equipment is available to hire on bespoke terms.  Commenting on the company’s investment and forthcoming winter MRO programme, PAUL ALLISON , Managing Director, BCT Aviation Maintenance, said: “As part of our proactive approach to maintenance and to ensure our dedicated engineering teams deliver the highest levels of safety and efficiency, BCT has invested heavily in the deployment of new airframe equipment and electric vehicles, representing a major commitment to our future.” This year has seen significant expansion in cargo operations at East Midlands Airport and BCT was delighted to be appointed line maintenance provider to Central Airlines and Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services. We are also very pleased to be welcoming back existing customers to Hangar 30 as we undertake a full programme of maintenance.