Scottish exporters have gained direct access to China’s Northwest through a new Air China cargo route connecting Glasgow Prestwick Airport with Ürümqi Tianshan International Airport.

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

Jules Matteoni, CEO of Glasgow Prestwick Airport, said: “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.

“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 the airport’s seafood export service, which saw 1.78 million kilograms of Scottish salmon exported in the first six months of the year, with Prestwick continuing to expand its cool chain capabilities.

Colin Dai, Glasgow Prestwick Airport’s regional director for Asia, said: “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.

“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.”

This new route follows a year of sustained cargo growth at Prestwick, with 16 weekly scheduled services now operating to and from mainland China, cargo tonnage quadrupling year-on-year, and the airport reporting its seventh consecutive profitable year.