Glasgow Prestwick Airport Wins Air Freight Business of the Year
Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) was named Air Freight Business of the Year at the Logistics UK Awards 2025 at a gala dinner held in London on 11 December 2025. The accolade recognises excellence in air cargo logistics and transport — one of the logistics sector’s most competitive categories. (FBJ Online)
Prestwick beat four other shortlisted organisations to the title, highlighting its rapid ascent as a key UK freight gateway. (Heyzine)
Why Prestwick Earned the Award
1. Strong Growth in Cargo Services
Over the past year, PIK significantly expanded its cargo network, including scheduled freighter routes connecting the UK to major Asian markets — especially China — with airlines such as Air China Cargo, China Southern, and Beijing Capital Airlines operating weekly services. These links have boosted inbound and outbound freight capacity. (cbbc.org)
This expansion has helped position Prestwick as a strategic air freight hub between the UK, Asia, and Europe. (Travel Radar)
2. Expanded Handling & Logistics Capability
Prestwick has invested heavily in cargo infrastructure, including:
- Enhanced e-commerce and parcel processing facilities
- Faster turnaround operations for wide-body freighters
- Onsite customs clearance support
These improvements streamline freight handling and attract major logistics partners. (Travel Radar)
3. Team Achievement & Industry Recognition
Ian Forgie, Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow Prestwick Airport, said the award “reflects the discipline and focus shown by our entire team over the past year,” highlighting growth in network reach and operational performance. (AJOT)
Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director, accepted the award on behalf of the airport, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the success. (Aviation Business News)
What the Award Means
For Glasgow Prestwick Airport
- Cementing its reputation as one of the UK’s leading air cargo gateways
- Recognition for long-term strategy and investments in freight infrastructure
- Strengthened credibility with global airlines and freight forwarders
For the Scottish & UK Logistics Sector
Prestwick’s win highlights the importance of regional airports in the UK’s export and import supply chains, particularly for high-value, time-sensitive goods such as e-commerce parcels and perishable products. (cbbc.org)
About the Logistics UK Awards
- Founded by Logistics UK, the Logistics Awards celebrate excellence across the logistics and supply chain sector — from air, sea, rail, and road to innovation and leadership.
- Categories include Freight by Water Business of the Year, Rail Freight Business of the Year, and Warehousing Business of the Year, among others. (FBJ Online)
The Air Freight Business of the Year specifically recognizes organisations demonstrating leadership, resilience, performance, and contribution to the growth of air cargo operations. (Heyzine)
Industry & Regional Context
E-commerce & Trade Growth
Shifts in global trade patterns — notably e-commerce and expedited freight demand — have favoured airports like Prestwick with:
- Quick customs processing
- 24/7 freight operations
- Strategic connectivity to Europe and Asia
These trends amplify the airport’s role in supporting UK exporters and importers alike. (Travel Radar)
Future Expansion Plans
Prestwick has signalled ambitions to grow further — including potential new cargo services targeting markets such as India, driven by trade agreements and export demand for Scottish products. (payloadasia.com)
Summary
- Winner: Glasgow Prestwick Airport — Air Freight Business of the Year at the Logistics UK Awards 2025
- Why it won: Expanded cargo services, new airline partnerships, enhanced freight infrastructure, and strategic growth. (AJOT)
- Significance: Recognition of Prestwick’s growing influence in the UK and European cargo landscape, and its contribution to international trade logistics. (FBJ Online)
Below are practical case studies and industry commentary explaining why Glasgow Prestwick Airport won “Air Freight Business of the Year” at the Logistics UK Awards and what the recognition means for the wider air cargo sector.
Case Studies: How Glasgow Prestwick Earned the Award
Case Study 1: Building a UK–Asia Cargo Gateway
Glasgow Prestwick has steadily positioned itself as a key UK gateway for long-haul freighter services, particularly linking the UK with Asian manufacturing and e-commerce hubs.
What Prestwick did
- Attracted multiple scheduled wide-body freighter services
- Focused on reliable turnaround times and 24/7 operations
- Prioritised cargo over passenger traffic constraints
Impact
- Increased inbound capacity for high-value goods and e-commerce
- Supported UK exporters with faster access to Asian markets
- Reduced congestion pressure on larger UK hubs
Why it matters
Judges highlighted Prestwick’s clear strategic focus on freight, rather than treating cargo as a secondary activity.
Case Study 2: Operational Speed and Reliability
Prestwick’s cargo model emphasises speed, simplicity, and resilience.
Key strengths
- Uncongested airfield with minimal slot restrictions
- Rapid aircraft handling and customs processing
- Strong coordination between airport teams, handlers, and freight forwarders
Impact
- Faster aircraft turnaround times
- Lower operating friction for airlines
- Strong performance during peak demand periods
Why it matters
In air freight, reliability often outweighs scale — a factor that strongly worked in Prestwick’s favour.
Case Study 3: Supporting E-commerce and Time-Critical Freight
Prestwick has invested in infrastructure and processes designed for e-commerce, express parcels, and time-sensitive cargo.
What changed
- Improved ground handling and warehouse capability
- Better alignment with integrators and logistics providers
- Flexible operations for night-time and off-peak arrivals
Impact
- Growing role in fast-moving consumer goods and online retail supply chains
- Increased attractiveness to freight forwarders seeking alternatives to crowded hubs
Why it matters
This adaptability demonstrated Prestwick’s ability to respond to changing global trade patterns.
Industry & Expert Comments
Logistics UK Judges’ Perspective
Awards judges typically look for:
- Operational excellence
- Measurable growth
- Innovation and resilience
Prestwick’s combination of network expansion, operational efficiency, and clear cargo strategy stood out in a highly competitive category.
Air Cargo Industry Analysts
Industry analysts describe Prestwick as:
“A textbook example of a regional airport finding its niche and executing it well.”
They point to Prestwick’s decision to specialise rather than compete head-to-head with major passenger hubs as a key success factor.
Airline & Freight Forwarder View
Cargo operators value Prestwick for:
- Predictable operations
- Lower congestion risk
- Strong working relationships with airport management
Many see it as a low-stress alternative to larger UK airports.
Regional Economic Commentary
From a regional perspective, the award:
- Reinforces Scotland’s role in global trade
- Supports jobs in logistics, handling, and transport
- Enhances the UK’s overall air freight resilience
Economic commentators note that regional freight hubs like Prestwick are becoming strategic assets, not secondary players.
Why This Award Matters Beyond Prestwick
- Shows that regional airports can outperform larger hubs in cargo excellence
- Highlights the importance of specialisation and focus in modern logistics
- Encourages investment outside traditional freight centres
- Strengthens the UK’s distributed supply-chain model
Bottom Line
Glasgow Prestwick Airport’s “Air Freight Business of the Year” award reflects consistent execution, strategic clarity, and operational reliability. Rather than chasing passenger volume, Prestwick doubled down on freight — and the industry has rewarded that focus.
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