Air China Cargo expands Prestwick–Chengdu service to daily flights

Cargo operations between the United Kingdom and western China have received a significant boost after Air China Cargo increased the frequency of its dedicated freight service linking Glasgow Prestwick Airport with Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport from four flights per week to a daily schedule.

The first aircraft operating under the expanded schedule landed at Prestwick on March 15, marking a major milestone in strengthening air cargo connectivity between Scotland and southwestern China. Airport officials say the daily service reflects rising demand for reliable logistics links between the two markets and will help facilitate faster trade flows for both exports and imports.

According to airport authorities, the enhanced service provides Scottish exporters with improved access to one of China’s most important logistics and manufacturing centres in Chengdu. The route is expected to play a crucial role in transporting high-value and time-sensitive products from Scotland, particularly premium food and beverage exports such as salmon, seafood and whisky.

Ian Forgie, Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow Prestwick Airport, said the decision to move to daily operations highlights the strength of cargo demand between the UK and China. He noted that the airport is increasingly being recognised by international carriers as a strategic cargo gateway connecting the United Kingdom with major logistics hubs across China.

“Prestwick is increasingly recognised by international carriers as a strategic cargo gateway linking the United Kingdom with key Chinese logistics hubs,” Forgie said, adding that the enhanced frequency will enable Scottish exporters to reach regional Chinese markets more quickly and reliably.

The new daily flights also complement existing China-focused cargo operations at Prestwick. The airport already hosts regular services operated by China Southern Air Logistics, which currently runs four weekly flights from the Scottish airport. With the latest expansion, Prestwick now handles a total of 15 scheduled cargo flights per week directly connecting Scotland with China.

Colin Dai, Regional Director for Asia at Prestwick, highlighted the strategic importance of Chengdu as a logistics hub in western China. He said daily connectivity will help move Scottish premium products into China while also supporting imports from one of the country’s fastest-growing manufacturing regions.

Cargo growth at Prestwick has also been supported by infrastructure developments and e-commerce logistics. The airport recently celebrated a milestone of 25 million parcels processed through its Terminal E facility in partnership with logistics operators, including Royal Mail and EVRi.

Airport officials estimate that the expanding cargo network could support more than GBP 250 million in cross-border trade during 2026. The growth in freight operations has also created over 250 direct jobs, underlining the wider economic impact of expanding air cargo connectivity.

Prestwick’s growing trade links with China have also been recognised internationally. The airport received the “China Welcome of the Year” award at the China Scotland Business Awards and was the only aviation business invited to join the UK delegation during a recent prime ministerial visit to China.