Glasgow Prestwick Airport is becoming an international hub for Royal Mail e-commerce

Royal Mail has chosen Glasgow Prestwick Airport (GPA) as its new international e-commerce hub in the UK due to its cost-effective landing costs and the latest technology investment.

The airport recently announced it would invest £2.2 million ($2.8 million) in new cargo handling equipment and took delivery of two ultra-wide loaders with a lifting capacity of 20 and 35 tonnes respectively; a heavy-duty pushback tractor capable of handling all aircraft types; 12 new dollies; and a new Rapiscan X-ray machine with a 7mm steel penetration.

E-commerce solution

The airport also launched a fast and efficient e-commerce solution, which has reportedly attracted interest from key players in the sector, including one leading Asian logistics provider.

“We are confident that our new fast and efficient e-commerce solution will provide customers with real savings compared to other UK air transport hubs, while also ensuring they deliver on their delivery time promise,” said Nico Le Roux, director of development at Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

“We are a fully in-house company, handling ground handling and warehousing, as well as firefighting and air traffic control, which allows us to offer greater flexibility.

“Carriers only need to make one call to our operations line, and we’ll take care of everything. This streamlined process is a significant advantage.”

Great news for customers

GPA Chief Operating Officer Jules Matteoni added: “This joint solution with Royal Mail allows us to provide full traceable visibility from landing to delivery to the customer and potential lead time savings through simplified processes. This is great news for our cargo customers, the airport and the region.”

Royal Mail’s Director of Global Imports, Vivian Davies, commented: “We are excited to be working with Glasgow Prestwick Airport to offer a cost-effective and efficient international e-commerce solution.

“Prestwick has no flight restrictions, congestion or curfews on both inbound and outbound flights, offering 24/7 availability, which is key to the fast turnaround required in the e-commerce sector.

“By working with Prestwick, we are confident that we can offer our existing and new international e-commerce customers an unrivaled service in both delivery time and cost.”