Crew of the inaugural Air China Cargo service from Ürümqi Tianshan International Airport (URC) to Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK).

Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) has announced a new direct cargo route to Ürümqi Tianshan International Airport (URC), diversifying its China network and giving Scottish exporters access to China’s Northwest.

The new service, which commenced on Sunday 13th September, will operate twice a week, adding to Air China’s existing connections from PIK to Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN), Chengdu (CTU), and Shanghai (PVG).

“Air China’s decision to add Ürümqi to its Prestwick network is another important step in a partnership that has grown significantly in a relatively short period of time,” said Jules Matteoni, Chief Executive Officer, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, “We have worked closely with Air China to understand exactly what they need from Prestwick and where we can support the continued development of their operations. The addition of another two weekly flights reflects the trust that has been built between our teams and, importantly, creates a direct trade lane between Scotland and a new region of China.”

New links to China’s Northwest will support the airport’s seafood export service, which saw 1.78 million kilograms of Scottish salmon exported in the first six months of the year, with PIK continuing to expand its cool chain capabilities.

“Ürümqi opens up new opportunities for Scottish and UK exporters, particularly the salmon and seafood sector and Scottish whisky, where speed, reliability, and specialist handling are critical,” said Colin Dai, Regional Director – Asia, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, “We want Prestwick to be an airport where our airline partners can grow with confidence. Air China’s continued investment in its network here shows what can be achieved when we work together to develop routes that make commercial sense for the airline, the airport, and the Scottish and UK businesses that rely on regular uplift and connectivity.”

This new route follows a year of sustained cargo growth at PIK, with 16 weekly scheduled services now operating to and from mainland China, cargo tonnage quadrupling year-on-year, and the airport reporting its seventh consecutive profitable year.