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Connecting the North East to the World: Behind the Scenes with Emirates at Newcastle International Airport

Ammar Mirza CBE, Umar Chaudhry, Aileen Wallace (Newcastle Airport) & Tracy Chandler (Emirates)
Ammar Mirza CBE, Umar Chaudhry, Aileen Wallace (Newcastle Airport) & Tracy Chandler (Emirates)

At ISS Airview, we believe that the strength of a region lies in its connections. The ability to link people, products and possibilities across borders is what drives innovation, investment and internationalisation — the three pillars of our 3IP model.


This week, those connections came vividly to life as our Executive Chair Ammar Mirza CBE and Umar Chaudhry, CEO of ISS Logistics, visited Newcastle International Airport for a behind the scenes insight into the world of global logistics. The focus was a live demonstration of cargo handling operations on the Emirates Boeing 777 300 flight from Dubai, one of the most important routes linking our region directly with the Middle East and beyond.


A World-Class Operation in Action


Led by Aileen Wallace, Head of Cargo at Newcastle International Airport, and Tracy Chandler, Emirates Account Manager, the visit provided a rare opportunity to witness first-hand the scale, sophistication and precision of Emirates’ world-class operation.

The Emirates flight arriving from Dubai carries not only more than 400 passengers, but also over 20 tonnes of cargo connecting businesses across the North East with customers and partners around the globe. Watching the highly coordinated turnaround of passengers, luggage, freight and aircraft maintenance in perfect synchrony was nothing short of inspiring.


Every process, every movement, every team member reflected excellence — showcasing why Emirates continues to be recognised as one of the leading airlines in the world. For Ammar and Umar, the experience reaffirmed the importance of global connectivity to regional prosperity and why the North East must continue to position itself as a major player in international trade.


Why ISS Chose Newcastle


For ISS Airview and ISS Freeports, Newcastle International Airport and Airview Park were natural choices for our headquarters. Their strategic location and exceptional infrastructure enable us to connect the North East by rail, road, sea and air, creating a seamless logistics ecosystem that supports both local businesses and international investors.


Our close collaboration with Teesside Freeport and Middlesbrough Port further strengthens this integrated network, making it easier than ever for companies to establish, expand and export from the UK’s most connected region. From manufacturing and advanced engineering to technology and creative industries, we are creating the conditions for businesses to grow global with confidence.


Driving Global Trade from the North East


As a private sector pioneer, ISS is leading from the front on internationalisation and bilateral trade. Over the coming months, our leadership team will embark on a series of trade missions to India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, South Africa and Turkey. These visits are designed to open new markets, forge powerful partnerships and position the North East as the UK’s global gateway for trade, investment and innovation.

Each of these destinations is served directly by Emirates from Newcastle, reinforcing the power of collaboration between our regional airport and a world-leading airline. Together, we are building bridges that go far beyond air routes — creating real pathways for partnership, opportunity and growth.


A Partnership that Powers the Region


We are proud to work closely with Newcastle International Airport, an organisation that continues to grow, evolve and connect our region to the world. Its partnership with Emirates has not only opened new routes but also enhanced the North East’s reputation as a centre of excellence for logistics, aviation and business.


At ISS, we share that same vision. Through ISS Airview and ISS Logistics, we are establishing a world-class infrastructure that supports companies to trade smarter, move faster and think bigger. Our work at the airport, across the Freeport, and through our international corridors demonstrates what is possible when innovation meets ambition.


Looking Ahead


The future of ISS Logistics and ISS Airview is built on connection, collaboration and growth. We are incredibly excited to continue using Newcastle International Airport and Emirates as key partners in delivering the opportunities we have created for our clients, partners and the region as a whole.


Stay tuned for more updates and some very exciting announcements in the coming days as we continue to expand our reach and reinforce the North East’s position as a world leader in innovation, investment and internationalisation.


ISS Airview Connecting People. Powering Trade. Growing Global.


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