Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) has expanded its cargo network with the launch of a new direct service to Ürümqi Tianshan International Airport (URC), giving Scottish and UK exporters a new gateway into Northwest China.
The service, operated by Air China, began on Sunday, September 13, and will run twice a week. It adds Ürümqi to Air China’s existing connections from Prestwick to Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN), Chengdu (CTU) and Shanghai (PVG).
The new route further strengthens a partnership between Air China and Glasgow Prestwick that has expanded significantly in a relatively short period.
“Air China’s decision to add Ürümqi to its Prestwick network is another important step in a partnership that has grown significantly in a relatively short period of time,” said Jules Matteoni, Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow Prestwick Airport.
“We have worked closely with Air China to understand exactly what they need from Prestwick and where we can support the continued development of their operations.
“The addition of another two weekly flights reflects the trust that has been built between our teams and, importantly, creates a direct trade lane between Scotland and a new region of China.”
The connection is also expected to reinforce Prestwick’s growing role in Scotland’s seafood export chain. During the first six months of the year, the airport handled 1.78 million kilograms of Scottish salmon exports, while continuing to expand its cool chain capabilities.
For exporters of temperature-sensitive and high-value products, the additional connection to China’s northwest could prove particularly valuable.
“Ürümqi opens up new opportunities for Scottish and UK exporters, particularly the salmon and seafood sector and Scottish whisky, where speed, reliability, and specialist handling are critical,” said Colin Dai, Regional Director – Asia, Glasgow Prestwick Airport.
The airport said it wants to provide an environment in which airline partners can continue expanding their operations with confidence.
“Air China’s continued investment in its network here shows what can be achieved when we work together to develop routes that make commercial sense for the airline, the airport, and the Scottish and UK businesses that rely on regular uplift and connectivity.”
The Ürümqi launch comes after a year of sustained cargo growth at Prestwick. The airport now has 16 weekly scheduled services to and from mainland China, while cargo tonnage has quadrupled year-on-year.
Prestwick is also reporting its seventh consecutive profitable year, adding further momentum to the airport’s expanding role in UK-China air cargo connectivity.
