Prestwick marks one year of China Southern Cargo link
The airport now handles 15 scheduled cargo services every week to and from mainland China, in addition to Hong Kong capacity.
Glasgow Prestwick Airport has completed one year of scheduled freighter operations by China Southern Air Logistics between Guangzhou and Prestwick, marking the first direct scheduled cargo connection between China and Scotland.
The four-times-weekly service has contributed to cargo growth at the Scottish airport over the past year and expanded direct trade connectivity between the UK and China. The route has also strengthened Prestwick’s role in handling Asian e-commerce volumes and supporting Scottish export flows.
“China Southern Air Logistics’ first year at Prestwick has shown the value of direct, reliable cargo links between Scotland and China,” said Ian Forgie, Chief Executive Officer, Glasgow Prestwick Airport.
“The service has supported faster and more resilient routes for e-commerce and high-value Scottish exports, while helping us create local jobs, invest in specialist handling, and build a thriving hub for UK trade with one of the world’s largest logistics markets.”
The airport said it has processed more than 25 million e-commerce parcels through its Terminal E cargo facility since the launch of the China Southern service. Cargo-led expansion has also resulted in the creation of more than 250 direct jobs linked to airport operations and handling activities.
Prestwick added that Scottish salmon exports moving through the airport have crossed one million kilogrammes since the beginning of the year. The airport has increasingly positioned itself as a gateway for perishables and time-sensitive cargo moving between Scotland and Asian markets.
Alongside the Guangzhou operation, Prestwick has expanded its wider cargo network over the past year. Air China Cargo increased its Chengdu service to daily operations, while Ethiopian Airlines introduced three weekly cargo flights connecting Hong Kong and Prestwick.
The airport now handles 15 scheduled cargo services every week to and from mainland China, in addition to Hong Kong capacity. These services support inbound e-commerce shipments as well as outbound Scottish exports, including salmon, seafood, and whisky.
To support the increase in cargo traffic, Prestwick has invested in specialist cargo handling infrastructure, including temperature-controlled storage and dedicated cool chain staff for perishable exports. The airport said its facilities now include 87 tonnes of chiller capacity designed for time-sensitive shipments.
Jules Matteoni, Director of Operations, and Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director, met the crew of the anniversary flight to mark the milestone at the airport.