Glasgow Prestwick Airport (Prestwick) welcomed the Consul General of India, Mr Siddharth Malik, to discuss UK-India trade and the airport’s recent significant investment in enhanced cool chain infrastructure.
The Consul General toured the airport’s cargo facilities with officials on Friday together with Kevin Braidwood, Deputy Chief Executive, South Ayrshire Council, and the local authority’s Business Development Officer, Calum McPhail.
Discussions focused on the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, expected to be implemented in April, and included a tour of Prestwick’s upgraded cool chain facilities which support Scottish salmon exporters, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, and other perishable goods.
“This was a great opportunity to show the Consul General just how unique our cargo operations are,” said Jules Matteoni, Operations Director, Glasgow Prestwick Airport.
“With our fully integrated, in-house model and recent investment in cool chain infrastructure, we are exceptionally well positioned to support the additional bilateral trade expected when the new UK-India trade agreement comes into force this summer.”
During the visit, the Consul General was briefed on Prestwick’s offering for Indian businesses and Scottish exporters, including onsite bonded warehouse facilities and operational flexibility.
“We are grateful to the Consul General for the valuable insights he shared on trade opportunities and the business culture in India,” said Nico Le Roux, Cargo Business Development Director, Glasgow Prestwick Airport.
“As we engage with partners at Air Cargo India, I look forward to continuing discussions with the Indian High Commission in Mumbai and in London to further promote Prestwick’s unique cargo capabilities and the advantages we can offer to businesses looking to strengthen UK-India trade links.”
Le Roux will attend the Air Cargo India exhibition in Mumbai from Wednesday 25th February until Friday 27th February, where he will meet carriers, freight forwarders, and exporters to progress discussions on expanding UK-India cargo connectivity as well as other global cargo opportunities for existing trade lanes from Prestwick.