Prestwick Airport adds Urumqi cargo route
Prestwick Airport has launched a twice-weekly cargo service to Urumqi, expanding its China network and opening new trade opportunities for Scottish exporters.
The new service will operate twice weekly between URC and PIK
Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) has launched a new direct cargo route to Urumqi Tianshan International Airport (URC), expanding its China network and providing Scottish exporters with direct access to northwestern China.
The new service commenced on September 13 and will operate twice weekly, strengthening Prestwick’s cargo connectivity with China. The route adds to Air China’s existing cargo connections from Prestwick to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), Chengdu (CTU) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
The new link is expected to broaden trade opportunities between Scotland and China while further diversifying Prestwick’s international cargo network.
Jules Matteoni, Chief Executive Officer, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, said, “Air China’s decision to add Urumqi to its Prestwick network is another important step in a partnership that has grown significantly in a relatively short period of time. We have worked closely with Air China to understand exactly what they need from Prestwick and where we can support the continued development of their operations.”
The addition of two weekly flights reflects the strong relationship built between the two teams and, importantly, establishes a direct trade link between Scotland and a new region of China.
The new connection to northwestern China is expected to support Prestwick’s seafood export operations, with the airport handling 1.78 million kilograms of Scottish salmon exports during the first six months of the year. PIK is also continuing to expand its cold-chain capabilities to support growing demand for temperature-sensitive cargo.
“Urumqi opens up new opportunities for Scottish and UK exporters, particularly the salmon and seafood sector and Scottish whisky, where speed, reliability, and specialist handling are critical,” said Colin Dai, Regional Director - Asia, Glasgow Prestwick Airport.
Prestwick aims to provide an environment where airline partners can expand their operations with confidence. Air China’s continued investment in its network at the airport demonstrates the potential of collaboration in developing commercially viable routes that benefit the airline, the airport, and Scottish and UK businesses dependent on reliable cargo capacity and connectivity.
The new route comes after a year of sustained cargo growth at PIK, with 16 weekly scheduled services now connecting the airport with mainland China. Cargo volumes have quadrupled year-on-year, while the airport has also recorded its seventh consecutive profitable year.
