Glasgow Prestwick Airport launches new freighter route to China

Glasgow Prestwick Airport has partnered with Beijing Capital Airlines to launch a four-times-weekly freighter service between Prestwick and Zhengzhou, boosting e-commerce capacity and export opportunities for Scottish and UK produce.

The first flight, operated by an Airbus A330-243 (P2F), arrived at Prestwick on 16 October, marking the start of the regular service. The route will carry e-commerce and general cargo into the UK, while premium goods such as Scottish salmon, whisky, and other high-value products will be shipped to China.

Beijing Capital Airlines becomes the third cargo carrier to establish a scheduled service at Prestwick in the past six months, reflecting the airport’s growing reputation as a key UK cargo hub.

“This third scheduled service underlines Prestwick’s position as one of the United Kingdom’s leading cargo hubs and demonstrates the strength of our e-commerce solution,” said Ian Forgie, Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow Prestwick Airport. “Our new partnership with Beijing Capital Airlines expands capacity, increases frequency, and offers exporters throughout the UK a new destination in mainland China.”

The agreement is part of Prestwick’s long-term cargo development strategy, which aims to build sustainable, high-frequency routes connecting UK exporters with major international trading centres. These services strengthen Prestwick’s role in UK-China trade and the e-commerce sector.