China-Scotland air freight link expands with new direct service from Prestwick.
A second direct air cargo route between Scotland and China has been launched from Prestwick Airport, strengthening export opportunities for Scottish products such as salmon and whisky.
Air China Cargo has begun operating a freighter service from Guangzhou to Prestwick three times a week, according to The Herald. This follows China Southern Air Logistics’ launch of four weekly freighter flights in May, with plans to expand to daily operations.
The combined total brings the number of weekly cargo flights between Prestwick and China to seven.
Prestwick Airport has invested £2.3 million in infrastructure upgrades to support the expansion, including high-loaders, cold storage facilities, and new handling equipment.
Chief executive Ian Forgie said he was “excited to see the possibilities for Scottish exporters.” He noted that Prestwick had positioned itself as “an alternative cargo gateway into the UK” and expects further announcements from other airlines in the near future.
The new services are expected to significantly boost exports of high-value Scottish seafood and whisky into the Chinese market.