Air China Cargo to set up its UK cargo hub at Glasgow Prestwick Airport

Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) and Air China Cargo have announced the start of a scheduled freighter service from Guangzhou, China, to Prestwick, Scotland as the first flight landed at PIK this morning.

The new service commences with three flights per week, with the expectations this will grow over time and means there will be seven freighter flights per week between China and Glasgow Prestwick, Scotland, UK.

“We are delighted to announce Air China Cargo has chosen Glasgow Prestwick Airport as its UK freighter base. This really is an endorsement of Prestwick’s exceptional cargo handling capabilities and the service that our team deliver,” said Ian Forgie, CEO, Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

He added: “With the addition of the three new Air China Cargo flights we now have seven flights a week between China and Glasgow Prestwick. We are excited to see the possibilities for Scottish exporters as we hope the return flights will become a strong trade lane between Scotland and Greater China and an alternative cargo gateway to and from the UK.”

Air China Cargo will base an operational and commercial team at PIK to develop their UK freighter operations and support the service.

“We are grateful for the strong working relationship we have with Air China Cargo and the possibilities this scheduled freighter service offers to our cargo hub,” said Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director, Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

“Our investment in our cargo handling facilities and partnerships with leading last mile providers has paid off, and we are excited to develop this service alongside Air China Cargo in the coming months.”

Colin Dai, the Airport’s Country Sales Director for Greater China, said: “The launch of Air China Cargo’s first scheduled freighter service between China and the UK is a proud milestone for Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

“As China’s national flag carrier, Air China Cargo’s decision to operate direct flights between Guangzhou and Glasgow Prestwick is a strong vote of confidence in our capabilities and ambition to become the UK’s leading gateway for East Asia trade. We are honored to partner with such a prestigious airline and look forward to building a strong, long-term relationship together.”

The first flight landed at Glasgow Prestwick Airport this morning and was welcomed with pipers and water cannons, with the announcement of the partnership celebrated at the Transport Logistics show in Munich, Germany, with the PIK and Air China Cargo teams.