Royal Mail has selected Glasgow Prestwick Airport (GPA) as its new international e-commerce hub in the UK, thanks to its cost-effective landing costs and recent technology investments.
The airport recently announced a £2.2m (US$2.8m) investment in new cargo equipment and took delivery of two extra-wide high loaders with 20- and 35-metric-ton capacity respectively; a heavy-duty pushback tractor capable of handling any aircraft type; 12 new dollies; and a new Rapiscan x-ray machine with 7mm steel penetration.
E-commerce solution
The airport has also launched its Fast and Efficient E-commerce Solution, which has reportedly garnered interest from key players in the sector, including one prominent Asian logistics provider.
“We are confident that our new Fast and Efficient E-commerce Solution will offer customers real cost savings against other UK air cargo hubs while also ensuring they meet their customer delivery-time promise,” said Nico Le Roux, development director at 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.
“Carriers only need to make one call to our operations line and we take care of everything. This streamlined process is a significant advantage.”
Great news for customers
GPA’s operations director, Jules Matteoni, added, “This joint solution with Royal Mail allows us 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.”
Royal Mail 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 round-the-clock availability, which is key for the fast turnaround needed in the e-commerce sector.
“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.”