East Midlands Airport is taking major steps to reduce its environmental footprint and support the UK’s Net Zero by 2050 target. It has its own Net Zero Carbon Airport operations by 2038 goal — a key pillar of Manchester Airports Group’s(MAG) sustainability strategy :
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1. Airport Vehicle Fleet: 100% Renewable Fuel [HVO]
Status: As of May 2025, all 64+ airport vehicles now run on HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil).
Impact: Up to 90% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to diesel.
Vehicles include- airside tugs, fire and rescue trucks" security patrol vehicles and maintenance vans.
Results-EMA becomes the first -UK airport -to operate a fully renewable fuel ground fleet-2
2. EV Charging & Electric Ground Equipment
Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers are installed across staff, public, and operational zones.
DHL Express introduced 100+ electric ground vehicles (belt loaders, tugs, etc.) for cargo handling.
Additional EV charging expansion is planned as part of the £120 million terminal upgrade.
3. Renewable Energy Use
All airport electricity comes from verified renewable energy sources.
Feasibility studies are underway to install solar panels and possibly wind turbines on airport-owned land.
Lighting upgrades:
Motion sensors and automated timers installed to reduce unnecessary consumption.
LED lighting in car parks, terminal, and airfield zones4. Green Buildings & Infrastructure (2024–2029)
The airport is investing -120 million in a 5-year redevelopment project with energy efficiency at its core:
CT scanners to reduce security delays and electricity use
Water-saving toilets and sustainable construction materials
All new buildings (including proposed cargo warehouses) are being designed to meet BREEAM “Very Good” or better sustainability standards.
5. Airside Efficiency Projects
Airfield lighting has been upgraded to LED systems, reducing energy use by ~40%.
Runway/taxiway resurfacing projects have included improved drainage and low-maintenance materials, lowering lifetime energy costs.
Stand-by power and ground power units are being transitioned to electric where possible to cut fossil fuel use.
6. Carbon Accreditation & Net Zero Target
EMA is part of the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programTarget: ACA Level 3+ (Carbon Neutrality) by 2030Net Zero for direct operations by 2038Current level: ACA Level 2 – Reduction
120 Million Redevelopment- program (2024–2029)
Launched in early 2024, this £120 million investment is the largest transformation of EMA’s passenger facilities since the early 2000s.
Aims to modernize the airport, improve energy efficiency, and enhance the passenger experience.
1. Security Hall Overhaul
A brand new central security area is being built to meet UK government’s new screening regulations (deadline: mid-2025)
Includes:
CT scanners (you can now keep liquids and laptops in bags)More spacious security lanes
Faster passenger flow
Expected to reduce wait times significantly.
2. Departure Lounge Enhancements
Expanded seating areas with better views of the airfield.
New food -and beverage options" including updated outlets and grab-and-go stalls.
More charging points and digital wayfinding screens.
Enhanced toilets with contactless fittings and energy-saving design.
3. Shops & Dining
Refreshed retail area featuring:
WHSmith, Boots, Duty Free, Starbucks, Greggs, Burger King, and Escape Lounge
New outlets are being added in stages through 2026.
4. New Escape Lounge
Rebuilt and expanded premium Escape Lounge near Gate 17.
Features-
All-day diningHot and cold drinks (including bar options)
Free high-speed Wi-Fi
Business and quiet zones
5. Drop-Off & Access Upgrades
By May 2025, the old drop-off barriers are being removed and replaced by:
Wider pavements and better pedestrian access
Smoother traffic flow, with reduced idling and emissions
ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) for seamless payment.
6. Sustainable Infrastructure
Energy-efficient building materials and LED lighting throughout terminals
Enhanced insulation, new climate-resilient roofing, and water-saving restroom upgrades
Charging points for electric vehicles at car parks.
7. Cargo Terminal Improvements
Separate from the passenger terminal, but EMA’s cargo side is also being modernized:
- Electric ground handling vehicles introduced
- DHL and UPS facilities expanded
- Runway-side developments to support new logistics buildings
Cargo & Logistics at East Midlands Airport (EMA)
East Midlands Airport is the UK’s largest dedicated air cargo hub by volume and one of Europe’s busiest for express freight. It's a critical node for companies like DHL, UPS, FedEx/TNT, Royal Mail, and more.
1. Volume & Rankings
Over 400,000 t
Tonnes of cargo handled annually (2024–2025).
EMA's -#1 ranking for pure air freight (not belly-hold passenger cargo.
The airport operates nightly express freight flights serving both UK and international destinations.
2. Key Freight Operators
- DHL Aviation: EMA is DHL’s UK hub — one of its biggest air logistics sites in Europe.
- UPS: Major sorting and air distribution center at EMA.
- FedEx Express / TNT: Regular nightly flights.
- Royal Mail: Postal flights operate during night hours.
- Amazon Air (Prime Air): Limited operations via partner carriers (reported but not confirmed officially).
3. New Cargo Routes (2025 Updates)
EMA became the first UK airport to host direct China–UK cargo flights:
Atlas Air – Boeing 747-8F, 5x/week from Hangzhou
Ethiopian Cargo added Hong Kong–EMA Boeing 777F flights (2x/week)
These routes connect East Midlands directly to Asia’s logistics superhubs
Yunexpress / Central Airlines – Boeing 777F (2x/week)
4. Cargo Infrastructure Expansion (2025–2040 Plan)
123.5 acres (50 hectares) of land near the runway approved for cargo/logistics development
Expected outcome:
54% increase in freight capacity by 2043
Construction of new aircraft stands, cargo sheds, vehicle loading zones, and parking
Up to 21,300 jobs
5. Sustainability in Cargo Ops
DHL Express invested 16 million to deploy electric ground service equipment (GSE)
DHL Express invested 16 million to deploy
Over 100 electric tugs, belt loaders, and high-loaders in operation
EMA and partners now offer EV charging for logistics vehicles
Aircraft stands use Fixed Electrical Ground Power (FEGP) to reduce fossil fuel usage on the apron.
Summary
Here’s a brief summary of East Midlands Airport’s 2025 sustainability and development efforts:
East Midlands Airport (EMA) is advancing towards Net Zero Carbon operations by 2038, supporting the UK’s 2050 climate goals. Key initiatives include:
- 100% renewable fuel (HVO) for all 64+ airport vehicles, cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 90%.
- Expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging points and deployment of over 100 electric ground handling vehicles by DHL.
- Use of 100% renewable electricity with plans for solar panels and wind turbines.
- Energy-efficient terminal upgrades, including LED lighting, low-energy HVAC, water-saving systems, and BREEAM-certified new buildings.
- Major £120 million redevelopment (2024–2029), featuring improved security, lounges, shops, and access.
- Airside efficiency improvements such as LED airfield lighting and electric ground power.
- Leading UK air cargo hub, handling 400,000+ tonnes annually, with new direct cargo flights to Asia.
- Cargo expansion plans to increase capacity by 54% and create 21,000+ jobs by 2043.
- Sustainability in cargo operations -with electric ground service equipment and reduced fossil fuel use.
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