Glasgow Prestwick Airport has strengthened its position as a fast-growing UK cargo gateway with the addition of three weekly e-commerce freighter services operated by Ethiopian Airlinesfrom Hong Kong. The new flights, scheduled for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, are expected to significantly scale inbound parcel volumes while enhancing outbound connectivity for Scottish exporters.
The Hong Kong link reinforces Prestwick’s expanding role in facilitating Asia–UK trade, particularly in the high-velocity e-commerce segment. Airport leadership emphasized that the move is part of a broader strategy to develop a specialised logistics ecosystem designed for speed, reliability, and throughput efficiency.
Ian Forgie, Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow Prestwick Airport, described the development as a pivotal milestone in the airport’s cargo evolution. He noted that positioning Hong Kong as a major inbound gateway enables Prestwick to integrate more deeply into global e-commerce supply chains. Central to this strategy is a purpose-built cargo handling model that prioritises rapid processing and streamlined transit, reducing dwell times and accelerating last-mile delivery performance.
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The expansion builds on a period of sustained growth for Prestwick’s cargo operations. Earlier this year, logistics operators Royal Mail and EVRi marked the milestone of 25 million e-commerce parcels handled through the airport’s dedicated facility. This surge in activity has translated into tangible economic benefits, including the creation of more than 250 direct jobs linked to cargo and logistics services.
From a network perspective, the new Ethiopian Airlines service underscores the strategic role regional airports can play in rebalancing global cargo flows. Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director at Prestwick, highlighted the operational advantage of pairing inbound e-commerce traffic with outbound premium exports. This model improves aircraft utilisation while contributing to more resilient and efficient supply chains.
Crucially, the enhanced connectivity opens new trade corridors for Scottish exporters into high-growth Asian markets, including South Korea and Vietnam. By offering more direct and efficient routing options, Prestwick is positioning itself as a viable alternative to traditional congested cargo hubs, particularly for time-sensitive and high-value goods.
Prestwick’s long-haul cargo footprint continues to expand. The airport currently handles 15 weekly freighter movements to and from mainland China, complemented by the addition of the three Hong Kong services. This growing network is projected to support up to £250 million in cross-border trade, reinforcing the airport’s economic significance within the UK logistics landscape.
For Ethiopian Airlines, the new route aligns with its broader strategy of expanding cargo operations across key global markets. Group CEO Mesfin Tasew described the thrice-weekly service as a meaningful enhancement to e-commerce connectivity between Asia and the UK, reflecting the airline’s commitment to strengthening its global cargo network.
Beyond e-commerce, Prestwick continues to serve as a critical hub for specialised cargo segments. Scottish exports such as salmon, pharmaceuticals, and life sciences products benefit from the airport’s advanced cool-chain infrastructure and tailored handling capabilities, ensuring product integrity across long-haul routes.
The airport’s rapid ascent in the cargo sector has also attracted industry recognition. Prestwick has been shortlisted for the Air Freight Business of the Year category at the Multimodal Awards, underscoring its growing influence in the global air cargo market.
With increasing volumes, expanding route networks, and a focused operational model, Glasgow Prestwick Airport is emerging as a key node in the evolving dynamics of international air freight—particularly at a time when speed, flexibility, and resilience are reshaping global logistics.
