Glasgow Prestwick Airport (GPA) is to be Royal Mail's newest international e-commerce hub in the United Kingdom (UK).

The airport said in a statement that it was selected by Royal Mail due to the numerous benefits it offers over alternative airports throughout the UK, including offering up to half of the cost of landing at some UK hubs.

 [Source: Glasgow Prestwick Airport]

"We are confident that our new Fast and Efficient E-commerce Solution will offer customers real cost savings against other UK air cargo hubs whilst also ensuring they meet their customer delivery-time promise," said Nico Le Roux, development director, Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

"We are a full in-house operation, from ground handling and warehouse handling to fire services and air traffic control, which allows us to offer greater flexibility," he added.

"Carriers only need to make one call to our operations line, and we take care of everything. This streamlined process is a significant advantage," Le Roux further said.

Jules Matteoni, operation director at GPA, said this joint solution with Royal Mail allows the company to provide full visibility with traceability from touchdown to customer delivery and the potential to save on lead times through simplified processes.

"This is great news for our cargo customers, the airport, and the region," Matteoni added.

Vivian Davies, director of global imports at Royal Mail, said the partnership with Glasgow Prestwick Airport offers a "cost-effective and efficient international e-commerce solution."

"Prestwick has no flight restrictions, congestion, or curfews on both inbound and outbound flights, offering round-the-clock availability, which is key for the fast turnaround needed in the e-commerce sector," she said.

Davies noted that Royal Mail is the UK's leading last-mile delivery provider, offering a fully tracked service ensuring timely delivery within two to three days of parcels entering the UK.  

"By partnering with Prestwick, we are confident we can offer our existing and new international e-commerce customers an unbeatable service on both delivery time and cost," she further said.

Prestwick recently announced a GBP2.2 million investment in cargo equipment and has taken delivery of two extra-wide high loaders with 20 and 35-tonne capacities, respectively, a heavy-duty pushback tractor capable of handling any aircraft type, 12 new dollies, and a new Rapiscan X-ray machine with 7 mm steel penetration.

Prestwick Airport formally launched its 'Fast and Efficient E-commerce Solution' at the Air Cargo China Exhibition and has already garnered interest from key players in the sector, including one prominent Asian logistics provider, who will be visiting GPA's 860-acre site to meet with Le Roux later this week.