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Connecting the heart of England
Explore East Midlands Airport ’ s vital role in international trade
A key player in the aviation industry , East Midlands Airport ( EMA ), is operated by the Manchester Airports Group ( MAG ) and forms part of a prestigious airport network that includes Manchester and Stansted . With its strategic location in the heart of England , EMA serves as a vital transportation hub , connecting over 4.2 million passengers to more than 60 destinations across Europe . Not only does EMA cater to passenger travel , but it also boasts the UK ’ s largest dedicated air cargo operation . Handling an impressive volume of over 440,000 tons of goods annually , EMA plays a pivotal role in facilitating international trade and logistics . One of EMA ’ s standout advantages is its proximity to most of the population in England and Wales . Thus , EMA offers unparalleled accessibility and convenience for both passengers and businesses . This prime location positions EMA as an ideal choice for travel , commerce , and distribution . Managing Director , Steve Griffiths , sheds some light on the airport ’ s history .
“ MAG acquired EMA in the early 2000s . Prior to MAG ’ s ownership , EMA was owned by National Express , and before that , it was jointly owned by the local authorities of Derbyshire , Nottinghamshire , and Leicestershire . The airport was inaugurated in 1965 , and its location was strategically chosen due to its proximity to the future M1 corridor . Although the M1 had not yet been constructed at that time , the planned route was already known . EMA ’ s advantageous position near the motorway network in the heart of England makes it easily accessible for passengers , contributing to its thriving air cargo operations that continue to this day . Currently , EMA serves several airlines , including Ryanair , JET2 . com , TUI , Aer Lingus , Eastern Airways , and Blue Islands . We expect to handle approximately 4.2 million passengers this year , and more than half of them travel to Spain or Spanish islands . Furthermore , most of our customers are leisure travelers , with a small percentage being business travelers ,” he details .
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