Glasgow Prestwick Airport welcomed Siddharth Malik, the Consul General of India, for a strategic visit focused on strengthening UK–India trade ties and showcasing the airport’s recent investment in enhanced cool chain cargo infrastructure.
During the visit, Malik toured the airport’s cargo handling facilities alongside local and airport officials, including Kevin Braidwood, deputy chief executive of South Ayrshire Council, and the council’s business development officer Calum McPhail.
The visit provided an opportunity to discuss upcoming trade developments, particularly the anticipated UK–India Free Trade Agreement, which is expected to come into force in April and is widely seen as a catalyst for increased bilateral cargo flows between the two markets.
Cool chain infrastructure supports export growth
A central focus of the visit was the airport’s recently upgraded cool chain facilities, designed to support the transport of temperature-sensitive cargo including Scottish salmon, pharmaceuticals, life sciences products and other perishable goods.
Airport officials highlighted how the infrastructure investment strengthens Prestwick’s role as a specialist cargo gateway for high-value and perishable exports, particularly for industries requiring strict temperature control throughout the logistics chain.
Jules Matteoni, operations director at Glasgow Prestwick Airport, said the visit provided an opportunity to demonstrate the airport’s distinctive cargo model.
“This was a great opportunity to show the Consul General just how unique our cargo operations are,” Matteoni said.
“With our fully integrated, in-house model and recent investment in cool chain infrastructure, we are exceptionally well positioned to support the additional bilateral trade expected when the new UK–India trade agreement comes into force this summer.”
Expanding UK–India cargo opportunities
During the visit, the Consul General also received a briefing on the airport’s broader cargo offering for Indian businesses and Scottish exporters, including on-site bonded warehousing facilities, flexible cargo handling operations and the airport’s capacity to support specialised freight movements.
According to airport representatives, the discussions also explored how Prestwick could play a role in supporting increased trade flows between Scotland and India, particularly for sectors reliant on fast and secure air cargo transport.
Nico Le Roux, cargo business development director at Glasgow Prestwick Airport, said the meeting provided valuable insights into Indian market dynamics and future trade opportunities.
“We are grateful to the Consul General for the valuable insights he shared on trade opportunities and the business culture in India,” Le Roux said.
“As we engage with partners at Air Cargo India, I look forward to continuing discussions with the Indian High Commission in Mumbai and London to further promote Prestwick’s unique cargo capabilities and the advantages we can offer to businesses looking to strengthen UK–India trade links.”
Industry engagement in India
Le Roux is scheduled to attend the Air Cargo India exhibition in Mumbai from 25–27 February, where he will meet airlines, freight forwarders and exporters to explore opportunities to expand UK–India air cargo connectivity.
The event is expected to provide a platform for discussions on new cargo routes, partnership opportunities and broader global trade lanes linked to Prestwick’s cargo operations.
With growing demand for temperature-controlled logistics and high-value exports, Glasgow Prestwick Airport is positioning itself as a strategic hub capable of supporting evolving international trade flows—particularly as the anticipated UK–India trade agreement opens new opportunities for cross-border cargo movement.
