News / New ecommerce flight from China into Prestwick could boost Scottish exports

Ecommerce into the UK from China has found a faster and more efficient route: via Glasgow. 

On the first morning of behemoth show Transport Logistic, in Munich, Glasgow Prestwick Airport announced the landing of another flight filled with ecommerce shipments from China. 

The Air China Cargo three-times-a week flight from Guangzhou means China and Glasgow are now connected daily with freighters, with ecommerce coming in to the UK and Ireland, and Scottish salmon outbound. 

Prestwick has put significant investment into the handling and sorting facilities at the airport. Flights arrive in time to catch a ferry to Ireland for ecommerce distribution, while other services take the shipments throughout the UK. 

”We’ve got almost a unique solution up in Prestwick,” said Nico Le Roux, business development manager for the airport. “We’re probably one of the very few places in the country that can handle the ecommerce traffic.

“We are taking 12 to 18 hours out of the process, which is why we are so attractive to platforms like Temu and Shein. They all think it’s great, the best solution they’ve ever had.  So we’re looking forward to bigger and better things.” 

Some 60 ground handlers are required for each 777 freighter to sort the shipments, added Mr Le Roux. 

And CEP Ian Forgie said the new route would be a boost for Scottish exports. 

 “We are excited to see the possibilities for Scottish exporters as we hope the return flights will become a strong tradelane between Scotland and Greater China, and an alternative cargo gateway to and from the UK.” 

Prestwick now has some 15 freighter services a week – and it expects that to grow. 

Mr Le Roux added: “Our investment in our cargo handling facilities and partnerships with leading last-mile providers has paid off, and we are excited to develop this service alongside Air China Cargo in the coming months.”