New Cargo Airline Launches Service
Glasgow Prestwick Airport welcomed Ethiopian Airlines this week as the airline launched scheduled services from Hong Kong – marking another big step in growing Prestwick’s role as a key UK gateway for Asian e-commerce and trade.
The new flights will run every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, bringing inbound e-commerce through Prestwick while also creating new, smarter routes for Scottish exports into fast-growing markets like South Korea and Vietnam.
“These new flights mark a significant step in scaling Prestwick’s e-commerce operation, with Hong Kong now a key inbound gateway into our network,” said Ian Forgie, Chief Executive Officer, Glasgow Prestwick Airport.
“By introducing a purpose-built, fast-track cargo handling model for e-commerce, we’re setting a new benchmark for speed and efficiency, enabling goods to move through the airport faster than at other hubs and reach end customers more quickly and reliably.”
A Boost for E-commerce – and Local Jobs
Prestwick already handles 15 flights a week to and from mainland China, and these new Hong Kong services add even more strength to the airport’s long-haul cargo network. The steady growth in cargo activity has already created over 250 direct jobs.
“This new service shows how regional airports like Prestwick can help rebalance global flows, pairing inbound e-commerce with outbound premium exports,” said Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director, Glasgow Prestwick Airport.
“New routes to South Korea and Vietnam also give Scottish exporters more direct access to high-growth markets and a more efficient option for global logistics partners.”
Helping Scottish Exports Travel Further, Faster
From Scottish salmon to pharmaceuticals, exporters benefit from Prestwick’s dedicated cool-chain facilities and specialist handling, helping time-sensitive goods reach global markets quickly and reliably.
And the airport’s expansion of air cargo services hasn’t gone unnoticed – Prestwick has been shortlisted for Air Freight Business of the Year at this year’s Multimodal Awards. It is also a finalist in Airport of the Year – Regional Cargo hub category at the World Air Cargo Awards and has been jointly selected along with Royal Mail as a finalist in the Innovative Company of the Year category at the China British Business Council’s Awards.
