Glasgow Prestwick Airport welcomes first e-commerce flight
Silk Way West Airlines operates flight for Zhonger Express and Jumen Logistics with 90 tonnes for Temu, TikTok, others.
Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) and Royal Mail welcomed the first full e-commerce cargo flight.
"The flight, chartered by Zhonger Express and Jumen Logistics, was operated by Silk Way West Airlines Cargo and carried a 90-tonne consignment for Royal Mail final mile deliveries," says an official release from PIK.
Products from two of the four major e-commerce platforms, Temu and TikTok, were on board and representatives were on-site to observe the handling process at PIK, the release added.
The announcement follows PIK’s partnership with Royal Mail, becoming its international e-commerce hub for the U.K., and recent efforts to expand operations in Asia, including the appointment of a dedicated sales representative in China.
Nico Le Roux, Director, Business Development, Glasgow Prestwick Airport.
“This flight was an opportunity for us to showcase PIK’s efficient and reliable solution for e-commerce imports to the UK,” says Nico Le Roux, Director, Business Development, PIK. “Our expert handling teams offloaded the cargo, broke it down, and swiftly segregated it by area region, before loading onto trucks for onward delivery.”
Earlier this year, PIK invested over £2 million in new cargo equipment, including two high loaders and 12 new dollies, supporting fast turnaround times, the release added.
“Undertaking a business venture of this magnitude obviously comes with a high-risk level,” says Edwin Ning of Zhonger Express and Jumen Logistics. “I had to carry out extensive diligence in the U.K. to find the perfect handling partner to make this trial an overwhelming success. The Prestwick team and Royal Mail exceeded themselves, and we delivered a new market-leading solution to the e-commerce platform shippers. We will be regular visitors to Prestwick in the New Year.”
Vivian Davies, Director, Global Imports, Royal Mail adds: “Our successful collaboration with PIK in managing this flight arrival for our international e-commerce customers during peak times has showcased smoother landing, efficient airport handling, and faster, streamlined processing all the way to our final mile delivery. We are excited to continue our partnership with PIK and our customers to develop even more innovative solutions at this new eCommerce hub.”
PIK’s business development team is working towards scheduling regular e-commerce flights in the new year, and is working with Scottish exporters to ship Scottish Whisky and salmon to the Far East on the return leg of the e-commerce flights, the release added.
