China Southern Air Logistics will begin scheduled cargo flights to Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) this month and there are plans to increase to a daily service.
The agreement is for four flights a week to the Scottish airport initially, but there are plans to increase to a daily service. The first scheduled flight departed from Guangzhou in China and landed at PIK on 16 May.
The agreement means the airport doubling its current scheduled freighter movements and has been described as a “game changer” by Glasgow Prestwick Airport chief executive Ian Forgie.
“This is welcome news,” said Forgie. “The airport team have been working hard over the last 12 months to showcase the Prestwick solution as an alternative Cargo Gateway into the UK, and the Board is delighted that a flagship carrier China Southern Air Logistics has established a scheduled service from China to Prestwick.
“We anticipate this new trade route will grow rapidly in 2025 as Prestwick delivers on its plans and the market responds to an alternative cargo gateway into the UK and a new direct export route to China from Scotland for high-value Scottish seafood and Whisky.
”We are in discussions with other airlines and expect to make further announcements soon.”
PIK has invested £2.3m in equipment in the last 12 months and said it is continuing to invest in ground handling equipment and cool chain supply facilities, as well as employing more staff, to maximise its capabilities in handling large freighters.
Colin Dai, the airport’s country sales director for Greater China, said: “The airport has a long history and reputation for handling widebody freighters, providing fast aircraft turnaround and cargo handling, delivered through our in-house team.
“We are proud to announce this landmark agreement between China Southern Air Logistics and Glasgow Prestwick Airport, and I know there is a lot of excitement from both sides to see the success of these flights.”
PIK announced a series of investments in cargo last May as it looks to speed up handling times.
It has since secured a number of key cargo deals. In June last year, the UK's Royal Mail selected PIK as one of its e-commerce hubs.
Then, in November, PIK and Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) in the US signed a joint development agreement to promote cargo flights between the two locations.
The following month, PIK welcomed its first full e-commerce cargo flight chartered by Zhonger Express and Jumen Logistics and operated by Silk Way West Airlines Cargo.
