Tavish Scott, Chief Executive of Salmon Scotland
Glasgow Prestwick Airport has unveiled a new direct export route connecting Scotland’s seafood producers with the Chinese market, following a £1 million investment in upgraded facilities designed to support the fast-growing sector.
Strengthening Scotland’s Seafood Export Capacity
Announced on Monday, the initiative introduces new infrastructure at Prestwick, including temperature-controlled chillers, advanced tracking systems, and metal detection equipment. Together, these investments aim to safeguard product quality while improving the efficiency of exports to both China and mainland Europe.
The move comes amid surging global demand for Scottish salmon. According to the airport, exports to China reached £76 million in 2024, representing a 60% increase in value and a 107% jump in volume compared with the previous year. More than 8,175 tonnes of salmon were shipped to China in 2024, making it the third-largest international market for Scottish salmon.
A Strategic Boost for Scotland’s Leading Export
“The value of Scottish salmon exports reached a record £844 million in 2024, with the Chinese market showing exceptional growth,” said Ian Forgie, CEO of Glasgow Prestwick Airport. “Our in-house expertise, coupled with significant investment in new facilities, makes Prestwick a standout hub for the Scottish seafood industry. This expansion is a game-changer, particularly given our proximity to many of Scotland’s major fish farms along the west coast.”
The new facilities are expected to extend the shelf life of products by up to 18 hours by reducing the time required to move fresh seafood from farms to the airport. This improvement not only lowers transportation costs but also helps reduce CO₂ emissions by cutting down on road mileage.
Industry Welcome and Wider Economic Impact
The development has been warmly received by industry leaders. Tavish Scott, Chief Executive of Salmon Scotland, noted: “The new dedicated service from Glasgow Prestwick Airport strengthens our ability to meet growing demand in China and across Asia, while supporting jobs and communities in Scotland’s coastal and rural areas. This investment is a welcome boost to our sector and reinforces Scotland’s reputation as a global leader in seafood exports.”
Eight Weekly Flights to Asia
It is understood the new export route will operate eight flights per week from Glasgow Prestwick to Asia, providing a significant uplift in air freight capacity for seafood exporters.
With salmon exports already a cornerstone of Scotland’s food economy, Prestwick’s expansion underscores both the sector’s resilience and the airport’s ambition to position itself as a specialist hub for perishable goods in the international cargo market.
