As e-commerce reshapes global trade and logistics, Glasgow Prestwick Airport is emerging as one of the UK’s most promising cargo gateways. Once known primarily for its strategic location and military history, the airport is carving a niche in express logistics, powered by smart infrastructure, 24/7 operations, and a dedicated strategy to attract giants within this space.
Custom-built solution
Prestwick’s e-commerce pivot wasn’t a random reinvention—it began with a timely opportunity.
“At the end of 2023, Prestwick Airport launched a new e-commerce strategy following an approach from a UK carrier facing congestion-related delays at a major airport,” Nico Le Roux, Prestwick’s Business Development Director, explained. “While the initial operation was a BUP (Built Up Pallets) movement, we successfully demonstrated our ability to handle a full 747 with exceptional efficiency and turnaround speed.”
This one-off operation quickly proved to be a proof of concept. Recognising an industry-wide need for more responsive logistics hubs—particularly for time-sensitive e-commerce freight—Prestwick developed what Le Roux calls a “bespoke solution tailored to the needs of e-commerce platforms and logistics providers.”
Backed by a focused marketing campaign across major Asian markets, supported by our Country Sales Director for Greater China, Colin Dai, and direct engagement with the full spectrum of e-commerce stakeholders—from platforms and integrators to brokers and last-mile carriers—Prestwick has seen trial flights evolve into recurring movements. “Major platforms are conducting regular trial flights, and we have already seen these turn into scheduled flights, we are looking forward to more in the near future — a development that promises to be truly transformational for Prestwick Airport,” he added.
Prestwick’s e-commerce advantage
What sets Prestwick apart is not only its available capacity but the speed and integration of its logistics ecosystem.
“All services at Prestwick Airport are delivered by our in-house, highly experienced handling teams — a model that offers significant advantages to every participant in the logistics chain,” Le Roux said. This approach contrasts sharply with the fragmented, third-party-driven processes at many larger UK airports.
Prestwick offers unrestricted operations around the clock, thanks to an ocean-facing flight path that avoids urban noise complaints. Aircraft can land at any hour, even with minimal notice. “At Prestwick, our airfield operations teams are on duty around the clock and ready to receive aircraft at any time, including with minimal notice — even once the aircraft is already airborne.”
Cargo moves fast at Prestwick. “Upon arrival, aircraft are offloaded just 75 metres from our dedicated 6,000 sq m e-commerce warehouse, allowing the first pallets to be processed within 20 minutes,” Le Roux said. The warehouse, purpose-built for digital retail, is connected via conveyor systems and levelling truck docks, expediting transfer from airside to road. This infrastructure gives last-mile providers and third-party logistics firms the efficiency they need—and the flexibility they demand.
Add to this the fact that the warehouse is also a bonded facility, eliminating delays in customs clearance. “This setup removes two critical steps from the traditional import process, eliminating the need to transfer inbound cargo to a ground handling agent or a third-party bonded warehouse,” he continued. “As a result, we can reduce the end-to-end handling time by as much as 18 hours.”
Data-led strategy
As digital commerce continues to evolve at breakneck speed, Prestwick’s strategy is designed to adapt.
“e-commerce is a rapidly evolving landscape, and a core part of our business development strategy is focused on intelligence gathering to anticipate emerging trends and shifting requirements,” says Le Roux. “From tracking volume demands to identifying preferred suppliers, we continuously research, engage, and network to stay ahead of the curve.”
That insight allows the airport to work with last-mile carriers and 3PLs in customised ways—adjusting workflows based on delivery models and client-specific needs. “Understanding that each provider has its own operating procedures and preferred final sorting locations, we customise our handling solutions to meet their specific requirements.”
From Scottish salmon to Asian markets
While most airports focus primarily on inbound volumes, Prestwick is making strides on the export front as well. With growing interest from producers, Prestwick is poised to become a central player in a fast-track perishable export corridor—helping to reduce trucking emissions and improve freshness-to-market.
“Our location is right next to Scotland’s largest food export, salmon,” Le Roux noted. “Over the past six months, we’ve launched a proactive export initiative aimed at helping carriers utilise the ample eastbound capacity by transporting fresh Scottish salmon directly to Asian markets.”
