Scottish hub Glasgow Prestwick Airport is looking to prepare for the future through a series of investments in its cargo operations, spending £2.2 million on equipment, temperature-sensitive solutions and an X-ray machine.
One of the significant investments recently made is new high loaders, driven by the needs of their main scheduled carriers transitioning to aircraft, like the Airbus A350, with larger frames compared to other widebody aircraft.
These developments necessitate equipment capable of handling oversized cargo, such as large aircraft engines, enhancing capabilities to manage current needs but also prepares it for future demand.
“We are set on having some of the best freighter handling equipment in the UK,” Nico Le Roux, the airport’s Business Development Director, stated. “We’re looking at replacing our model with modern solutions over the next year or two, updating and innovative practices to be more efficienct and environmentally friendly.”
Cold capabilities
In response to growing demands from customers, Prestwick Airport has embraced a particular focus on bolstering its cold storage facilities.
This move is particularly strategic given the airport’s proximity to Scotland’s largest food export sector, notably the salmon industry, giving the hub the ability to cater efficiently to perishable goods and pharmaceuticals, sectors that require stringent control.
“We’re close to the biggest food export of the UK, so it makes sense for us to do this,” Le Roux explained. “We’re working very closely with the Scottish Government, Scottish Development International and trade organisations around food and pharmaceuticals to make customers aware we’ve got this capability and start using us.”
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Digitalisation in action
Recognising the importance of digitalisation and automation in modern air cargo operations, Prestwick Airport is transitioning from its old cargo management system to an end-to-end solution. This upgrade will streamline operations and improve efficiency.
“There’s more of an acknowledgement that digitalisation, automation and innovation will play into our industry’s approach moving forward,” Le Roux highlighted. “We’re on a legacy system, so we’re updating that to make a difference for our customers.
“We’re also electrifying all airport equipment, not just cargo. Thinking about all the equipment that you need to run an airport, looking at it and making sure it is fit for purpose.”
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Operational freedom
Glasgow Prestwick sees the key to its success through its connectivity and unrestricted operations, leveraging road, rail and ferry connections to enhance cargo handling capabilities.
“In addition to air and sea connections, we have a freight rail terminal about a five-minute drive from the airport,” Le Roux outlined. “We are actively promoting the benefits of rail transport and working to raise awareness of this opportunity.
“The Scottish Government has shown strong support for this initiative, recently conducting a study to assess the sustainability impacts of rail transport. As part of this effort, we are encouraging more businesses to consider rail as a viable and eco-friendly transport option.”
Additionally, without nighttime restrictions and congestion issues, Glasgow Prestwick can offer 24/7 access at no extra cost – a significant selling point for carriers dealing with the surge in e-commerce.
“It’s very important for carriers to have reliable options,” Le Roux continued. “When carriers face challenges at their usual airports, they often contact us mid-flight to ask if we can accommodate them. Since we manage everything in-house—ground handling, warehouse handling, fire services, and air traffic control—arranging for their arrival is seamless.
“They only need to make one call to our operations line, and we take care of everything. This streamlined process is a significant advantage, and we see this scenario quite frequently, which is fantastic for our operations.”
