The British Embassy in Beijing hosted a reception at the residence of British Ambassador to China last week to celebrate Air China Cargo’s expanding freight operations between China and Glasgow Prestwick Airport.
Jointly hosted by the UK Government and Glasgow Prestwick Airport, the event was recognised by both Air China Cargo and the British Embassy as the airline’s highest profile route launch ceremony to date.
Speaking to Air China Cargo representatives at the reception, Jules Matteoni, Director of Operations, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, said: “Your decision to place your freight business with our airport means a great deal – not only to the airport, but to the wider community we serve. It shows trust, confidence, and a belief in what Scotland can offer, and for that we are truly grateful.
“For us, this partnership is about more than cargo. It’s about people, connections, and building bridges between the UK, Scotland, and China.
“Every shipment that passes through our airport represents opportunity – for businesses, for jobs, and for closer ties between our countries.”
Air China Cargo now operates four weekly scheduled freighter flights between Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) and Glasgow Prestwick Airport, complementing its existing four weekly flights servicing Guangzhou (CAN).
Senior attendees included Colin Dai, Regional Director, Asia, Glasgow Prestwick Airport; Lewis Neal, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner; Li Jun, President, Air China Cargo; Commercial Counsellor, Head of Aviation at the UK Department for Business and Trade; and representatives from the Scottish Government China Office, Scottish Development International, the China Britain Business Council, and China Global Television Network.
“These new routes are more than a logistical achievement—they are a symbol of the partnership between China and the United Kingdom in air connectivity,” said Lewis Neal, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner.
“The economic and social impact on the UK will be significant. These routes will boost exports from Scotland, particularly in high-value sectors such as premium seafood and world-renowned whisky[…].
“As Trade Commissioner, I am proud to witness this milestone and to reaffirm our support for the continued growth of UK–China cargo services.”
Air China Cargo was represented by its President, Li Jun, more than ten general managers, and senior executives.
“This strategic advancement signifies not only a major enhancement of our network but also a timely and concrete response to the ever-strengthening trade and economic partnership between China and the United Kingdom,” said Li Jun.
“Air China Cargo stands ready to join hands with the UK Government, the Scottish Government, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, and all relevant parties, revitalizing this “Air Freight Corridor,” empowering the high-quality development of China-UK economic and trade cooperation, and jointly writing a new chapter of mutual benefit and win-win growth.”
Prestwick also services regular scheduled cargo flights from China Southern Air Logistics and Beijing Capital Airlines, and over 140 jobs have been created as a result. A one-million-pound investment in new equipment and a dedicated cool chain team also allowed the airport to launch a new Scotland to China seafood export service in September.
Recognising this growth, the airport was named Air Freight Business of the Year at the Logistics UK Awards last week.