Air China Cargo Increases Glasgow Prestwick–Chengdu Freight Service to Daily Flights
Air China Cargo has expanded its air cargo operations between Glasgow Prestwick Airport and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, increasing the frequency from four weekly flights to a daily service.
The move significantly strengthens Scotland’s direct cargo connectivity with a major logistics hub serving southwestern China, while creating faster and more reliable access for Scottish exports such as salmon, seafood and whisky.
Strengthening Trade Links Between Scotland and China
Ian Forgie, Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow Prestwick Airport, said the increased frequency reflects strong demand for direct air cargo connections between the United Kingdom and China.
He noted that Prestwick is increasingly being recognised by international carriers as a strategic cargo gateway linking the UK with key Chinese logistics hubs, enabling Scottish exporters to access major regional markets efficiently.
The expansion also builds on Prestwick’s growing role in UK–China cargo flows. The airport already serves as one of the UK bases for China Southern Air Logistics, which operates an additional four weekly cargo flights.
Growing Cargo Capacity and Trade Potential
With Air China Cargo’s new daily service, the total number of scheduled cargo flights connecting Prestwick directly with China will rise to 15 per week.
These trade routes are expected to support more than GBP 250 million in cross-border trade in 2026, strengthening Scotland’s export economy while improving import supply chains from China’s manufacturing regions.
Colin Dai, Regional Director Asia at Glasgow Prestwick Airport, said Chengdu plays a critical role as a logistics hub for western China and serves as an important gateway into the country’s southwestern markets.
Daily connectivity, he added, will help Scottish exporters move premium products to China more quickly while supporting faster and more reliable inbound shipments.
Cargo Growth Driving Jobs and Infrastructure Expansion
The expansion follows continued growth in cargo volumes at Prestwick. Last month the airport joined logistics partners Royal Mail and EVRi in celebrating 25 million parcels handled through Terminal E.
The growth in cargo services at the airport has also created more than 250 direct jobs, reinforcing Prestwick’s role as an emerging air cargo hub in the United Kingdom.