Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) has launched a dedicated seafood export service to China, following a £1 million investment in new cool chain infrastructure and the creation of a specialist seafood logistics team.
The investment includes high-volume metal detectors, temperature exposure and tracking systems, and four large-capacity chillers (87 tonnes total), housed in a dedicated facility designed to handle seafood shipments to China and mainland Europe.
Ian Forgie, CEO of Glasgow Prestwick Airport, commented:
“The value of Scottish salmon exports reached a record £844 million in 2024, with the Chinese market growing by 60% in value and 107% in volume. Our in-house expertise, coupled with significant infrastructure investment, positions PIK as a standout hub for the Scottish seafood industry.”
PIK’s strategic location near Scotland’s fish farms provides producers with an 18-hour shelf-life extension, reduced farm-to-airport trucking costs, and lower CO2 emissions.
Tavish Scott, CEO of Salmon Scotland, added:
“This dedicated service from Glasgow Prestwick strengthens our ability to meet growing demand in China and Asia, while supporting jobs and rural communities across Scotland. This investment is a major boost to our sector and to Scotland’s export performance.”
In 2024, China became the third-largest market for Scottish salmon, with £76 million worth of exports—equivalent to 8,175 tonnes—marking a 60% year-on-year increase.
With eight weekly freighter flights to Asia, PIK’s new seafood hub provides exporters with a viable alternative to London airports, offering speed, efficiency, and enhanced freshness for perishable shipments.
Forgie concluded:
“Creating a cool chain solution at PIK is a game-changer. Our facilities make us an attractive hub for Chinese freighters and give the Scottish seafood industry a strong competitive edge.”
The announcement was welcomed by Alan Gemmell, MP for Central Ayrshire, who praised Prestwick Airport’s 2025 growth in both cargo volumes and local employment opportunities.