Air China Cargo has expanded its operation between Chengdu and Glasgow Prestwick Airport to daily on the back of rising demand.
The service, which operates between Prestwick and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, had been operating four times per week until yesterday, when the frequency was increased.
The service largely carries e-commerce from China, but in the opposite direction, takes Scottish exports such as salmon, seafood and whisky.
The Scottish airport said that 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 £250m of cross-border trade in 2026.
The airline launched services to the airport in June last year.
“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, Glasgow Prestwick Airport.
“Prestwick is increasingly recognised by international carriers as a strategic cargo gateway linking the UK with key Chinese logistics hubs, enabling Scottish exporters to reach major regional markets quickly and reliably.”
“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.”
Last month, the airport celebrated having handled 25m parcels through its Terminal E facility.
