Air China Cargo begins Ürümqi Tianshan-Prestwick route

Air China Cargo has established a new route between Ürümqi Tianshan International Airport in China and Glasgow Prestwick Airport in Scotland.

The new service, which commenced on Sunday 13 September, will operate twice a week and adds to Air China Cargo’s existing connections between Prestwick and Guangzhou Baiyun, Chengdu, and Shanghai.

This latest route will diversify Prestwick’s China network and give Scottish exporters access to China’s northwest region, pointed out the airport.

“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, 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 Prestwick’s seafood export service, which saw 1.78m kg of Scottish salmon exported in the first six months of the year, as the airport continued 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,” commented Colin Dai, regional director – Asia, Prestwick.

“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.”

Prestwick now accommodates 16 weekly scheduled services to and from mainland China.