Ethiopian Airlines has launched scheduled freighter flights between Hong Kong International (HKG) and Glasgow Prestwick (PIK) to help meet demand for e-commerce shipments.
The new flights will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, and come as PIK has heavily invested in e-commerce handling.
In February, PIK’s Terminal E facility reached the milestone of handling 25m parcels.
“Ethiopian Airlines’ new thrice weekly cargo service between Hong Kong and Glasgow Prestwick is a significant boost to the e-commerce operations between the two airports,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group chief executive, Mesfin Tasew.
“As a global airline growing its network in both regions, we are delighted to launch the new thrice weekly flights and be part of the link.”
Ian Forgie, chief executive at Prestwick, stated: “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.
“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.”
“This service demonstrates how regional airports can rebalance global flows, pairing inbound e-commerce with outbound premium exports to improve utilisation and strengthen supply chain resilience,” added 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 routing model for global logistics partners.”
As well as the new Ethiopian flights from Hong Kong, Prestwick currently handles 15 flights to and from mainland China.
Air China Cargo recently expanded its operation between Chengdu Shuangliu International (CTU) and PIK.
