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Glasgow Prestwick Airport reports seventh profitable year as cargo tonnage quadruples

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Sonia Rafferty, Human Resources Director; Jules Matteoni, Chief Executive Officer; Stephen Flynn, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport; Sheena Beckwith, Chief Financial Officer; Dr Willie Mackie, Chairman; Zoe Kilpatrick, Commercial Director; Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) has reported its seventh consecutive year of profitability after cargo growth helped drive an 11 per cent increase in operating profit to GBP 3.9 million for the year ended 31 March 2026.

Freight volumes rose to more than 46,000 tonnes during the year, with 15 scheduled weekly mainland China freighter services and three weekly Hong Kong services strengthening the airport’s position as an uncongested UK trade gateway.

“Freight volumes quadrupled over the last year, reflecting the successful execution of our strategy to position the airport as a leading UK cargo gateway,” said Jules Matteoni, Chief Executive Officer, Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

“The development of long-haul scheduled cargo connectivity, particularly with Asian markets, has driven both import and export growth, supported by investment in cold storage facilities, enhanced handling capabilities, and bonded warehouse infrastructure.”

The airport’s dedicated Terminal E e-commerce facility has now processed more than 33 million parcels, with Royal Mail and Evri establishing operations at PIK to support direct airport-to-last-mile handling.

PIK has also made a substantial investment in cool chain capability, including dedicated personnel, temperature monitoring, enhanced screening, and 87 tonnes of chiller capacity.

The investment has supported the airport’s seafood export service, with 1.78 million kilograms of Scottish salmon exported in the first six months of 2026.

Cargo growth has created more than 250 direct jobs, with the airport’s in-house operating model supporting aircraft handling, cargo processing, fuelling, and air traffic control through a single operational structure.

The airport was named Air Freight Business of the Year at the Logistics UK Awards during the period, recognising its growing role in UK air cargo and Scottish exports.

PIK anticipates further growth in the year ahead as it continues to build scheduled freighter capacity, expand e-commerce handling, and invest in specialist infrastructure for perishables, pharma, aerospace, energy, and high-value freight.