DHL is the first company to sign up for space at Manchester's Airport City, with a pre-let agreed for a 37,000 sq ft facility.

This is part of the £100 million logistics area being developed next to the current cargo centre at the hub by the Manchester Airports Group (MAG).

The company will use the location for its global operations, such as DHL Service Point and overseas deliveries.

DHL Express' chief executive officer for UK and Ireland Phil Couchman said: "The location of the hub within the enterprise zone will support future export opportunities for small businesses in the region, allowing British businesses to get their product to international markets with even greater speed and reliability."

MAG hopes to create 1,800 jobs with the logistics park, itself part of the £800 million Airport City Manchester scheme. This development aims to turn Manchester Airport into a global destination, including advanced cargo and freight opportunities.

The park will allow for better delivery to and from the site itself, thanks to its close proximity to air services, in a similar fashion to the on-site distribution centres at London Gateway.