Air China Cargo increases Chengdu service to daily flights from Glasgow Prestwick Airport

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One Air China Cargo flight takes flight at Glasgow Prestwick Airport as another Boeing 777 Freighter waits for takeoff.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport(Prestwick) has announced that Air China Cargo has increased its cargo service between Prestwick and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, China, from four flights per week to a daily service.

The expansion strengthens Scotland’s direct cargo connectivity with a major cargo hub serving the southwestern regions of China, and provides a key entry point for Scottish exports, including salmon, seafood, and whisky.

“The move to daily flights to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport reflects the strength of demand for direct cargo connectivity between the UK and China,” said Ian Forgie, Chief Executive Officer, Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

“Prestwick is increasingly recognised by international carriers as a strategic cargo gateway linking the United Kingdom with key Chinese logistics hubs, enabling Scottish exporters to reach major regional markets quickly and reliably.”

Prestwick also serves as one of the United Kingdom (UK) bases for China Southern Air Logistics, which runs a further four flights per week.

Air China Cargo’s new daily service brings the total number of scheduled cargo flights to 15 direct to China, with the trade routes expected to facilitate over GBP 250 million of cross-border trade in 2026.

“Chengdu is one of the most important logistics hubs in western China, and a critical gateway into the southwestern regions of the country,” said Colin Dai, Regional Director, Asia, Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

“Daily connectivity enables Scottish exporters to move premium products such as salmon, seafood, and whisky into China while also supporting faster and more reliable imports into Scotland from one of China’s most dynamic manufacturing regions.”

Prestwick joined Royal Mail and EVRi last month in celebrating 25 million parcels passing through its Terminal E facility, and the growth in cargo services has created over 250 direct jobs.

In recognition of Prestwick’s trade ties with China, it was awarded ‘China Welcome of the Year’ at the China Scotland Business Awards, and was the only aviation business invited to join the delegation from the UK during the Prime Minister’s state visit to China.