Glasgow Prestwick Airport (Prestwick) has secured three new weekly cargo flights with Ethiopian Airlines from Hong Kong.
The service will operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, increasing e-commerce volumes.
“These new flights mark a significant step in scaling Prestwick’s e-commerce operation, with Hong Kong now a key inbound gateway into our network,” said Ian Forgie, Chief Executive Officer, Glasgow Prestwick Airport.
“By introducing a purpose-built, fast-track cargo handling model for e-commerce, we’re setting a new benchmark for speed and efficiency, enabling goods to move through the airport faster than at other hubs and reach end customers more quickly and reliably.”
Royal Mail and EVRi joined Prestwick earlier this year to celebrate 25 million e-commerce parcels passing through its e-commerce facility, and the growth in cargo services has created over 250 direct jobs.
“This service demonstrates how regional airports can rebalance global flows, pairing inbound e-commerce with outbound premium exports to improve utilisation and strengthen supply chain resilience,” said Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director, Glasgow Prestwick Airport.
“New routes to South Korea and Vietnam also give Scottish exporters more direct access to high growth markets and a more efficient routing model for global logistics partners.”
Prestwick currently handles 15 flights to and from mainland China and now an additional three from Hong Kong per week. Its growth in long haul cargo services is expected to facilitate up to GBP 250 million in cross border trade.
“Ethiopian Airlines’ new thrice weekly cargo service between Hong Kong and Glasgow Prestwick is a significant boost to the e-commerce operations between the two airports,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew.
“As a global airline growing its network in both regions, we are delighted to launch the new thrice weekly flights and be part of the link.”
Scottish salmon exporters, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, and other perishable industries benefit from Prestwick’s dedicated cool chain facilities and specialist import and export services.
In recognition of this growth, Prestwick has been shortlisted for Air Freight Business of the Year at the Multimodal Awards this year.