What better place to launch a ‘Fast and Efficient E-commerce Solution’ than at last week’s Air Cargo China 2024? No doubt that was Prestwick Airport’s marketing plan as it formally launched its new product there on 26JUN24, together with the announcement of its new partnership with Royal Mail in the same regard. Billed in the press release as the “UK’s flagship parcel service”, the Royal Mail has selected Glasgow Prestwick Airport (GPA) as its newest UK international e-commerce hub. The reasons for Royal Mail’s decision included the fact that GPA charges only around half the cost of landing compared to certain other UK hubs. Also GPA is investing GBP 2.2million investment in cargo equipment and recently took delivery of two extra-wide high loaders with 20 and 35 ton capacity respectively, a heavy-duty pushback tractor capable of handling any aircraft type, 12 new dollies, and a new Rapiscan X-ray machine with 7 mm steel penetration.
Nico Le Roux, Development Director, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, declared: “We are confident that our new Fast and Efficient E-commerce Solution will offer customers real cost savings against other UK air cargo hubs, whilst also ensuring they meet their customer delivery-time promise. We are a full in-house operation, from ground handling and warehouse handling, to fire services, and air traffic control, which allows us to offer greater flexibility. Carriers only need to make one call to our operations line, and we take care of everything. This streamlined process is a significant advantage.”
GPA’s Operations Director Jules Matteoni added: “This joint solution with Royal Mail allows us to provide full visibility with traceability from touchdown to customer delivery and the potential to save on lead times through simplified processes. This is great news for our cargo customers, the airport, and the region.”
Royal Mail Director of Global Imports Vivian Davies said: “We are excited to be working with Glasgow Prestwick Airport to offer a cost-effective and efficient international e-commerce solution. Prestwick has no flight restrictions, congestion, or curfews on both inbound and outbound flights, offering round-the-clock availability, which is key for the fast turnaround needed in the e-commerce sector. Royal Mail is the UK’s leading last mile delivery provider offering a fully tracked service ensuring timely delivery within two to three days of parcels entering the UK. By partnering with Prestwick, we are confident we can offer our existing and new international e-commerce customers an unbeatable service on both delivery time and cost.”
