Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) has achieved a major milestone in UK–China trade connectivity with the launch of a scheduled freighter service by Air China Cargo from Guangzhou, China. With three weekly flights now operational and plans to ramp up to daily—and eventually double-daily—frequencies, this new route marks a transformative step in Scottish air cargo capabilities and East-West logistics.
“This really is an endorsement of Prestwick’s exceptional cargo handling capabilities,” said Ian Forgie, CEO of Glasgow Prestwick Airport. “We’re excited to see the opportunities this creates for Scottish exporters.”
The service not only provides direct access to China—bypassing the need for time-consuming road transit to southern UK airports—but also boosts the shelf life and speed-to-market for key Scottish exports such as salmon and whisky.
A Game-Changer for Cargo Handling
The collaboration between PIK and Air China Cargo reflects a deep strategic alignment. “It is mutual development,” said Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director at PIK. “We supported Air China Cargo through the UK regulatory approval process. Our ability to turn a fully loaded aircraft around in under two hours played a major role. Every minute counts in air cargo.”
The impact was immediate. “This effectively doubled our cargo volumes overnight,” Le Roux revealed to Air Cargo Week. To meet the surge in demand, PIK launched a major recruitment drive and invested in new ground handling equipment, ensuring operational readiness despite regional labour market challenges.
A New Hub for East Asia–Scotland Trade
Air China Cargo has based both commercial and operational teams at Prestwick, underlining its long-term commitment to the route. “This is about building sustainable logistics infrastructure, investing in people, and future-proofing our role as a gateway to East Asia,” said Le Roux.
The partnership was formally celebrated at the Transport Logistic event in Munich, where the teams marked the beginning of this new chapter. “Interest has been strong,” Le Roux said from the show floor. “It reinforces why this event is a cornerstone for the air cargo industry.”
With scalable infrastructure, strategic location, and growing global interest, PIK is positioning itself as a new force in trans-Eurasian air freight logistics, offering both speed and reliability to international shippers and Scottish exporters alike.