The demand for efficient air cargo solutions to support e-commerce continues to rise. The rapid growth of this sector has placed unprecedented pressure on logistics networks and infrastructure, creating opportunities for forward-thinking operators to capitalise on this trend. At the heart of this transformation are investments in infrastructure tailored to the unique demands of e-commerce—streamlined handling, efficient storage, and rapid distribution.

One airport leading the charge in this space is Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK), which has made e-commerce a cornerstone of its cargo strategy. “e-commerce is a major focus for us, and the momentum is building. We’re expecting significant growth over the next year,” Nico le Roux, PIK’s Business Development Director, explained.

To meet the growing demand for e-commerce cargo, PIK has made targeted investments in its facilities and equipment. A significant development has been the establishment of a large warehouse designed specifically to handle e-commerce traffic. 

“We’ve just started seeing shipments through the warehouse, and this is only the beginning,” Le Roux shared. 

“This facility was created with the future in mind, allowing us to efficiently handle large volumes of e-commerce goods.”

In addition to the warehouse, PIK has invested heavily in ground service equipment, such as high loaders and dollies, ensuring the airport is well-equipped to manage the quick turnaround times that e-commerce requires.

 “We work closely with our customers to understand their needs, and these investments are driven by their feedback,” Le Roux explains. 

Positioning

As a regional airport located far from the congested hubs of southern England, PIK faces unique challenges in attracting cargo traffic. 

“A lot of the world still sees the UK as synonymous with London Heathrow,” Le Roux said. “However, Heathrow is constrained, and they can’t accept freighters anymore. We’re working hard to show the industry that Prestwick is a viable alternative.”

One of PIK’s key selling points is its operational efficiency. Unlike larger airports, PIK has no slot restrictions or nighttime curfews, allowing flights to arrive and depart at any time.

 “We can handle aircraft much quicker than other airports, which offsets any perceived disadvantage of being further north,” Le Roux pointed out.

 “Our layout is also a major advantage, with cargo stands located directly next to warehouses, streamlining the entire process.”

Partnerships have been central to PIK’s e-commerce strategy. A recent collaboration with Royal Mail has enabled the airport to handle a steady flow of e-commerce goods through a dedicated warehouse.

 “This has been a game-changer for us, providing the infrastructure and operational support needed to efficiently process high volumes of packages,” Le Roux said.

The airport recently signed a cooperation agreement with Rockford Airport in the United States to explore commercial opportunities and stimulate traffic between the two hubs. 

“This type of collaboration is essential for growing our e-commerce capabilities and connecting our facilities to global trade networks,” Le Roux explained.

“We’re currently operating on a legacy system, but we’ve employed a project analyst to evaluate modern solutions,” Le Roux revealed. 

The airport is exploring advanced e-commerce software to enable end-to-end tracking and traceability, ensuring seamless movement of goods from arrival at the airport to last-mile delivery.

“This level of transparency and efficiency is what the e-commerce industry demands,” Le Roux adds. “It’s not just about moving goods quickly; it’s about ensuring they arrive at their destination in perfect condition, with complete visibility along the way.”

Added advantage

Sustainability is another key focus for PIK, aligning with the broader industry’s push to reduce environmental impact. “One of the main arguments we present to airlines is the emissions reduction they can achieve by operating here,” Le Roux said. 

“After landing, it’s only a three-minute taxi to the cargo stands,” he noted. “These efficiencies are becoming more and more important in the industry, particularly for carriers looking to improve their sustainability credentials.”

While e-commerce is a primary focus, PIK is also diversifying its cargo operations to include other sectors. The airport has seen increased volumes of perishables, such as salmon, which transit through Prestwick en route to the United States and China.

 “We’re finally seeing momentum in this area, with shipments growing steadily,” Le Roux continued. “We’re building on our strengths and addressing challenges head-on.

“Diversity in our cargo operations ensures that we’re not reliant on a single industry, allowing us to remain resilient.