The flight, chartered by Zhonger Express and Jumen Logistics, was operated by Silk Way West Airlines with products from e-commerce platforms TikTok and Temu on board.
Representatives from the platforms were on site to observe handling processes at the airport.
Earlier this year, Prestwick was selected as Royal Mail’s international e-commerce hub and the airport has been expanding operations in Asia, which included appointing a sales representative in China.
Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director at Glasgow Prestwick Airport, says, “This flight was an opportunity for us to showcase Prestwick’s efficient and reliable solution for e-commerce imports to the UK. Our expert handling teams offloaded the cargo, broke it down, and swiftly segregated it by area region, before loading onto trucks for onward delivery.”
Prestwick also invested £2 million in new cargo equipment including two high loaders and 12 dollies to support fast turnarounds earlier this year.
Edwin Ning of Zhonger Express and Juman Logistics, says, “I have a lot of confidence in my own teams here in China, and had to carry out extensive diligence in the UK to find the perfect handling partner to make this trial an overwhelming success.”
He adds that Zhonger and Juman will be regular visitors at Prestwick in the New Year.
Prestwick announced its Royal Mail partnership at the air cargo China exhibition in Shanghai.
Vivian Davies, Director of Global Imports at Royal Mail, says, “Our successful collaboration with Prestwick in managing this flight arrival for our international e-commerce customers during peak times has showcased smoother landing, efficient airport handling, and faster, streamlined processing all the way to our final mile delivery.”
Prestwick’s business development team are working on regular scheduled e-commerce flights and working with Scottish exporters to ship whisky and salmon to the Far East on the return leg of flights.