New Shanghai Route Strengthens Scottish Export Opportunities, Supports E-Commerce Growth and Enhances Prestwick’s Position as a Key UK Cargo Gateway
Air China Cargo is expanding its presence in the United Kingdom with the launch of a new scheduled freighter service linking Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Glasgow Prestwick Airport. The development strengthens trade connectivity between China and the UK, broadens access to one of Asia’s largest logistics hubs and supports growing demand for e-commerce, perishables and time-sensitive cargo flows. The new route also reinforces Prestwick Airport’s emergence as a strategic air cargo gateway for Scottish exports and China-linked freight operations.
Air China Cargo has introduced a new scheduled cargo service connecting Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) with Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK), marking another significant milestone in the strengthening of trade and logistics links between China and the United Kingdom.
The new service forms part of the carrier’s ongoing network expansion strategy and will enhance cargo connectivity between Scotland and one of Asia’s most important freight and distribution hubs. According to Glasgow Prestwick Airport, Air China Cargo has reassigned three of its four weekly Boeing 777 freighter services previously operating from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to Shanghai Pudong, while maintaining a total of 11 scheduled weekly cargo flights to and from Prestwick.
The move significantly diversifies Prestwick’s China network and provides exporters with broader access to mainland China’s manufacturing, distribution and e-commerce ecosystems.
Shanghai Adds Strategic Strength to Prestwick’s China Network
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading air cargo hubs, handling substantial volumes of international freight and serving as a major gateway for global trade flows across Asia-Pacific markets.
By connecting directly to Shanghai, Prestwick gains access to a wider range of cargo opportunities, supporting both inbound and outbound trade while strengthening supply chain resilience for UK businesses.
Ian Forgie, Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow Prestwick Airport, described the new service as a strategically important addition to the airport’s growing cargo portfolio.
“Shanghai is a major global cargo hub and an important addition to Prestwick’s scheduled China services,” said Forgie.
“This new route gives cargo customers more choice across mainland China and strengthens our ability to support fast-growing e-commerce traffic into the United Kingdom.”
“It also opens a valuable new trade lane for Scottish exporters, including producers moving premium seafood and other time-sensitive goods into Asia.”
Industry analysts note that direct access to Shanghai offers exporters enhanced reach into eastern China, one of the country’s most economically significant regions and a major centre for manufacturing, consumer demand and cross-border trade.
Supporting Scotland’s Growing Export Market
The new service is expected to provide additional capacity and improved market access for Scottish exporters, particularly those involved in high-value and perishable commodities.
Seafood producers stand to benefit significantly from the enhanced connectivity, with Scottish salmon continuing to see strong demand across Asian markets.
Prestwick recently announced that more than one million kilograms of Scottish salmon had been exported through the airport since the beginning of 2026, underlining the growing importance of dedicated cargo services in supporting Scotland’s export economy.
In addition to seafood, exporters of whisky, pharmaceuticals, high-tech products and other time-sensitive goods are expected to benefit from improved access to Chinese distribution channels.
The route is also likely to strengthen trade flows in the opposite direction, supporting increasing volumes of e-commerce shipments entering the UK market from China.
Prestwick Emerges as Key E-Commerce Gateway
The launch comes amid sustained cargo growth at Glasgow Prestwick Airport, which has rapidly expanded its role as a specialist cargo hub serving both e-commerce and traditional freight sectors.
The airport currently handles 15 scheduled weekly cargo services to mainland China alongside three additional services from Hong Kong, making it one of the UK’s fastest-growing China-focused cargo gateways.
The growth has been driven largely by booming e-commerce traffic, with Prestwick processing more than 25 million parcels through its cargo operations since May 2025 in collaboration with logistics partners including Royal Mail and EVRi.
The airport has invested significantly in cargo infrastructure, specialist handling capabilities and temperature-controlled facilities to support increasing freight volumes and ensure efficient processing of both inbound e-commerce shipments and outbound perishables.
Industry experts view Prestwick’s development as part of a broader trend in which regional airports are becoming increasingly important logistics gateways as supply chains diversify and e-commerce volumes continue to expand.
Air China Cargo Continues UK Network Expansion
The Shanghai service follows a series of recent capacity enhancements by Air China Cargo across its UK operations.
Earlier this year, the airline expanded its Chengdu–Prestwick cargo route to a daily service in response to rising freight demand and growing export activity between Scotland and western China.
The expansion reflects Air China Cargo’s broader strategy of strengthening international freight connectivity while supporting China’s growing role in global trade and logistics networks.
By increasing access to multiple Chinese cargo gateways, the airline is providing freight forwarders, exporters and logistics providers with greater flexibility and network coverage.
Fleet Growth Supports Expanding Cargo Network
To support its growing international operations, Air China Cargo is also investing heavily in fleet modernisation and capacity expansion.
The carrier recently confirmed an agreement with Airbus for four additional Airbus A350 Freighters, increasing its total order for the next-generation cargo aircraft to ten units.
The A350F programme forms part of the airline’s long-term strategy to improve operational efficiency, expand network reach and strengthen its competitiveness within the global freighter market.
The addition of modern freighter aircraft is expected to support increasing demand across international trade corridors while providing greater flexibility for both scheduled and specialised cargo operations.
Strengthening China–UK Air Cargo Trade
The launch of the Shanghai–Prestwick service highlights the continuing importance of air cargo connectivity between China and the United Kingdom as trade volumes, e-commerce demand and supply chain requirements evolve.
For Prestwick Airport, the new route reinforces its position as a critical cargo gateway connecting Scotland with Asia’s major logistics centres. For Air China Cargo, it represents another step in the expansion of its international network and growing presence within European freight markets.
As demand for fast, reliable and direct cargo services continues to increase, the addition of Shanghai to Prestwick’s route network is expected to deliver long-term benefits for exporters, importers, freight forwarders and logistics providers on both sides of the trade lane.
With cargo volumes continuing to grow and China remaining a vital trading partner for the UK, the new service further strengthens the role of air freight in supporting international commerce, supply chain resilience and economic connectivity between Asia and Europe.
