The 16MAY25 was an historic moment in Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK)’s history as it marked the arrival of the first ever direct scheduled freighter connection between China and Scotland. This is the result of an agreement that has been signed by China Southern Air Logistics (CSAL) and Glasgow Prestwick Airport and will see four scheduled cargo flights per week flying in from Guangzhou this month, eventually shifting to daily connections if things go as planned. With its latest cargo customer, the PIK will now enjoy double the number of scheduled freighters to before and is another step closer to its aim of convincing airlines and customers to see the airport as an alternative gateway to the UK. Over the past year, the airport has invested 2.3 million in ensuring it has the ground handling equipment, cargo and cool chain facilities, and trained staff to handle an increasing number of large freighters.
Glasgow Prestwick Airport Chief Executive, Ian Forgie, enthused: “This is welcome news. The airport team have been working hard over the last 12 months to showcase the Prestwick solution as an alternative Cargo Gateway into the UK, and the Board is delighted that a flagship carrier, China Southern Air Logistics, has established a scheduled service from China to Prestwick. We anticipate this new trade route will grow rapidly in 2025, as Prestwick delivers on its plans and the market responds to an alternative Cargo Gateway into the UK and a new direct export route to China from Scotland for high value Scottish seafood and whisky. We are in discussions with other airlines and expect to make further announcements soon.”
Colin Dai, Glasgow Prestwick Airport’s Country Sales Director for Greater China, said: “The airport has a long history and reputation for handling wide bodied freighters, providing fast aircraft turnaround and cargo handling, delivered through our in-house team. We are proud to announce this landmark agreement between China Southern Air Logistics and Glasgow Prestwick Airport, and I know there is a lot of excitement from both sides to see the success of these flights.”
