Glasgow Prestwick Airport has celebrated the first anniversary of scheduled freighter operations by China Southern Air Logistics, marking a year of significant cargo growth and expanding trade connectivity between Scotland and China.
The Guangzhou–Prestwick route, launched in 2025, established the first direct scheduled cargo connection between China and Scotland and has since become a key component of Prestwick’s growing role as a specialist air cargo gateway for e-commerce imports and high-value Scottish exports.
Operating four weekly freighter flights between Guangzhou and Prestwick, the service has contributed to increased cargo throughput, job creation and expanded trade opportunities across the United Kingdom and Asia-Pacific logistics markets.
Cargo Growth Driven by E-Commerce and Export Demand
Over the past year, the China Southern Air Logistics service has played a major role in supporting the rapid expansion of Prestwick’s cargo operations.
According to the airport, more than 25 million e-commerce parcels have been processed through its dedicated Terminal E cargo facility since the route’s launch, highlighting the increasing importance of direct Asia-UK logistics corridors in supporting cross-border online retail demand.
Prestwick also reported that the growth in cargo operations has contributed to the creation of more than 250 direct jobs linked to freight handling, logistics operations and specialist cargo services.
At the same time, the airport has strengthened its position as a key export gateway for Scottish products, particularly temperature-sensitive seafood shipments.
Since the beginning of the year alone, more than one million kilograms of Scottish salmon exports have moved through Prestwick’s cargo facilities, alongside other outbound shipments including seafood and whisky destined for Asian and international markets.
Industry observers note that direct air cargo connectivity with China has become increasingly important for Scottish exporters seeking faster transit times, improved supply chain reliability and direct access to growing Asian consumer markets.
Expanding China Cargo Connectivity
The anniversary milestone comes amid broader expansion of Prestwick’s cargo network linking Scotland with mainland China and Hong Kong.
Over the past year, Air China Cargo increased its Chengdu service to daily operations, while Ethiopian Airlines added three weekly cargo services connecting Hong Kong with Prestwick.
As a result, the airport now handles 15 scheduled weekly cargo services to and from mainland China, in addition to extra Hong Kong freight capacity.
The expanded network is supporting rising inbound e-commerce volumes into the United Kingdom while facilitating outbound exports of Scottish food, seafood and premium consumer goods into Asian markets.
Ian Forgie, Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow Prestwick Airport, said the first year of operations has demonstrated the value of direct cargo links between Scotland and China.
“China Southern Air Logistics’ first year at Prestwick has shown the value of direct, reliable cargo links between Scotland and China,” Forgie stated.
“The service has supported faster and more resilient routes for e-commerce and high-value Scottish exports, while helping us create local jobs, invest in specialist handling, and build a thriving hub for UK trade with one of the world’s largest logistics markets.”
Investment in Specialist Cargo Infrastructure
Prestwick’s cargo growth strategy has been supported by continued investment in specialist logistics infrastructure and cold chain capabilities designed to handle time-sensitive freight.
The airport said it has expanded its operational capabilities through investments in specialist cargo handling equipment, dedicated cool chain personnel and temperature-controlled storage facilities.
Its infrastructure now includes 87 tonnes of chiller capacity to support temperature-sensitive exports such as salmon and other seafood products requiring strict cold chain management during transit.
Industry analysts note that perishables and e-commerce remain two of the fastest-growing segments within the global air cargo market, driving increased demand for airports capable of providing rapid processing, temperature-controlled handling and direct long-haul connectivity.
Prestwick’s geographic position and operational flexibility have helped position the airport as an increasingly important alternative cargo gateway within the United Kingdom, particularly for transcontinental freighter services.
Strengthening Scotland’s Position in Global Trade
The expansion of direct cargo connectivity between Scotland and China reflects broader shifts in global logistics networks as airports seek to diversify trade routes and strengthen resilience within international supply chains.
For Scottish exporters, direct freighter services reduce dependency on road feeder connections through larger European cargo hubs, enabling faster market access and improved freshness for perishable exports.
The airport believes continued investment in cargo infrastructure and international freighter connectivity will further strengthen Scotland’s position within global trade and logistics markets.
To mark the anniversary, Jules Matteoni, Director of Operations at Prestwick Airport, and Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director, met with the crew of the anniversary China Southern Air Logistics flight during celebrations held at the airport.
Industry stakeholders expect Prestwick’s China cargo network to continue expanding as demand grows for direct e-commerce capacity, specialist cold chain logistics and resilient trade routes linking the United Kingdom with Asia-Pacific markets.
