What Happened During the UK–China Visit
Glasgow Prestwick Airport took part in a British Embassy reception in Shanghai, China, as part of ongoing UK–China trade talks where it showcased its recent cargo growth and expanded air freight links between Scotland and China. (aircargoweek.com)
At the event hosted by the British Embassy, Prestwick highlighted how its increasing cargo services — especially scheduled freight connections to China — are supporting trade, exports and business links between the UK and Chinese markets. (aircargoweek.com)
Cargo Growth in Numbers
Cargo Service Expansion
- Prestwick now operates around 12 weekly cargo services to China, underlining strong growth in Asia-Europe logistics. (aircargoweek.com)
- The airport’s cargo network includes regular scheduled freighter flights operated by major Chinese carriers such as China Southern Air Logistics, Air China Cargo, and Beijing Capital Airlines. (ajot.com)
Broader Operational Performance
Independent industry data show that Prestwick’s cargo operations have grown rapidly, with:
- 21 wide-bodied freighters a week being handled, and more than 3,800 tonnes of cargo per month in 2025. (ajot.com)
- Strategic investments in cold-chain and handling storage facilities to support exports such as salmon and whisky — two high-value Scottish goods — have been rolled out over recent years. (ajot.com)
This rise illustrates a significant shift: Prestwick has transitioned from a mostly local airfield to a key UK-China freight gateway for both inbound e-commerce cargo and outbound specialised exports. (ajot.com)
Why This Matters
Enhancing UK–China Trade
Prestwick’s expanded cargo services — particularly on routes to China — play a strategic role in UK–China commercial relations, supporting exporters of Scottish products while accommodating rising demand for imports from Chinese e-commerce platforms. (ajot.com)
The airport’s presence at the UK–China diplomatic event underscores:
- the importance of air cargo links to broader trade negotiations, and
- Prestwick’s positioning as an alternative northern-UK freight gateway to Asia. (aircargoweek.com)
Infrastructure and Capability
The airport has invested in cargo-handling capacity including:
- cool-chain facilities for perishable exports,
- equipment to manage heavy and specialised freight, and
- teams focused on oversize and e-commerce cargo loads. (ajot.com)
This has enabled the handling of a wider range of goods — not just standard freight, but time-sensitive and high-value exports too. (ajot.com)
Official Comments & Industry Reaction
Prestwick’s Leadership
At the reception, Jules Matteoni (Operations Director) emphasised that partnerships with Chinese cargo carriers represent confidence in Scotland’s freight capacity and global reach, saying the airport’s network is about more than cargo — it’s about building stronger economic and community connections between the UK and China. (Glasgow Prestwick Airport)
Broader Recognition
Prestwick’s freight success has also been recognised industry-wide — for example, being named Air Freight Business of the Year at the Logistics UK Awards — reflecting its growing reputation as a logistics hub supporting international trade. (Travel Radar – Aviation News)
Examples of Cargo Growth on China Routes
Even outside the UK–China visit itself, several operational milestones demonstrate this trend:
- China Southern Air Logistics began direct scheduled freighter services from China to Prestwick, initially four times per week and with plans to expand further. (The STAT Trade Times)
- Air China Cargo doubled its services, adding Chengdu to its route network. (aircargoweek.com)
- These expanded routes have helped drive a tripling of cargo volume expectations in 2025/26, reflecting significant trade momentum. (ajot.com)
Key Takeaways
Cargo connectivity between Scotland and China is growing rapidly, driven by scheduled freighter flights and strategic partnerships with Asian carriers. (ajot.com)
Prestwick is positioning itself as a key UK freight hub for both inbound e-commerce cargo and outbound specialised exports like seafood and whisky. (ajot.com)
The airport’s role was highlighted during UK–China trade discussions, showing how transport infrastructure links into broader national economic diplomacy. (aircargoweek.com)
Here’s a case-study–style breakdown with concrete examples and insightful commentary on Prestwick Airport’s cargo growth highlighted during the UK–China visit, showing how this development has played out in practice, what it means for trade and logistics, and what industry and local leaders are saying. (Glasgow Prestwick Airport)
Case Study 1 — Direct Cargo Connections Drive Growth
Development: New Scheduled Services from China
Prestwick Airport (PIK) has rapidly expanded its air freight links with China over the past year:
- China Southern Air Logistics established the first scheduled freighter service between China and Prestwick in 2025, initially with four weekly flights and with plans to expand to daily services. (Aviation Business News)
- Air China Cargo added regular freighter flights from Guangzhou, initially three times per week, showing strong demand on this corridor. (aircargonews.net)
- Beijing Capital Airlines launched a four-times-weekly freighter service connecting Zhengzhou with Prestwick later in the year. (payloadasia.com)
Impact on Operations:
These routes led to 21 wide-bodied freighter movements per week and more than 3,800 tonnes of cargo handled monthly, with volumes set to triple in 2025/26 according to airport leadership. (ajot.com)
This expansion has created over 140 jobs in cargo operations and supporting logistics. (Glasgow Prestwick Airport)
Comment:
Direct scheduled services, rather than ad hoc charters, are key to transforming Prestwick into a reliable freight gateway between the UK and China — something that few regional UK airports have achieved before. This shift signals a new phase of long-term trade connectivity. (ajot.com)
Case Study 2 — Strategic Cargo Mix: Imports & Exports
Import Hub for E-Commerce
Prestwick’s China services have become a major channel for Chinese e-commerce goods — including items from major platforms — arriving for distribution across the UK and Europe. (ajot.com)
Comment:
As global e-commerce continues to grow, airports that can process and distribute imported goods quickly — especially outside congested hubs — are becoming competitive logistics centres. Prestwick’s infrastructure — including improved handling equipment and cool-chain facilities — underpins this capability. (ajot.com)
Export Gateway for High-Value Produce
The airport is also capturing outbound cargo opportunities:
- Scottish salmon exports have grown, with PIK positioning itself as a direct air freight link to Asian markets. (ajot.com)
- Whisky and other premium goods are being targeted for air export as well, especially where speed and reliability add commercial value. (ajot.com)
Comment:
This balanced cargo approach — combining imported consumer goods and outbound high-value exports — strengthens Prestwick’s role not just as a transit point but as a trade facilitator for regional producers. (ajot.com)
Case Study 3 — UK–China Visit & Diplomatic Reinforcement
🇬🇧🇨🇳 High-Profile Trade Event
During the UK–China visit at the British Embassy in Beijing, Prestwick’s leadership and partners celebrated the expansion of Air China Cargo services and broader UK–China cargo connections. (Glasgow Prestwick Airport)
• Jules Matteoni (Operations Director, PIK) framed the China cargo partnership as “about people, connections, and building bridges between the UK, Scotland, and China.” (Glasgow Prestwick Airport)
• Lewis Neal (UK Trade Commissioner) described the routes as a symbol of growing economic cooperation, noting their potential to boost exports of premium sectors such as seafood and whisky. (Glasgow Prestwick Airport)
• Li Jun (President, Air China Cargo) highlighted the partnership as a concrete response to strengthening China–UK economic ties, showing how logistics can underpin trade relations. (Glasgow Prestwick Airport)
Comment:
Connecting the cargo expansion to diplomatic engagement underscores how air freight isn’t just logistics — it’s also economic diplomacy. Airports like Prestwick become physical enablers of trade strategy between nations. (Glasgow Prestwick Airport)
Industry Recognition & Broader Comments
Awards & Acknowledgements
Prestwick was named Air Freight Business of the Year at the Logistics UK Awards, recognising its growth in network, partnerships, and cargo handling capability. (Travel Radar – Aviation News)
Comment:
This award reflects industry recognition that Prestwick is no longer a fringe player but a strategically important freight hub — particularly for China–UK trade corridors. (Travel Radar – Aviation News)
Overall Comments & Strategic Implications
Growth Built on Strategy and Investment
Investment in cargo infrastructure — including cold-chain facilities, handling equipment, and staff training — prior to the China route launches has paid off in scaled operations and increased trade volumes. (ajot.com)
Balanced Cargo Flows Create Resilience
Prestwick’s ability to handle both inbound e-commerce shipments and outbound premium exports ensures more stable long-term cargo demand, reducing reliance on seasonal or single-market flows. (ajot.com)
Integration With Government Trade Priorities
By participating prominently in UK–China trade dialogues, Prestwick shows how airports connect regional economic development with national export objectives, especially for Scotland’s industries. (Glasgow Prestwick Airport)
Key Takeaways
Direct China routes have transformed Prestwick into a major UK–China cargo link.
Cargo growth supports both imported goods and high-value Scottish exports.
Strategic partnerships and investments are central to its success.
Recognition from industry awards and government events highlights its emerging global role.