Glasgow Prestwick sees continued profit and cargo growth

Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK/EGPK) is celebrating its sixth consecutive year of profit as it continues to turn its fortunes around posting a £3.5 million operating profit for 2024/2025, up £300,000 from the previous year.

This comes in part thanks to the “transformational” growth in its cargo market which has seen two Chinese flagship cargo carriers opening bases at the Scottish airport as it positions itself as an alternative UK gateway for the asian market.

Prestwick is also known for its handling of military flights with many NATO aligned countries using it as a stop-off point with visitors including the UK’s own Royal Air Force, the US Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport, CEO, Ian Forgie said: “Cargo volumes are set to treble in 2025/26 with the Airport currently handling 21 wide bodied freighters a week and more than 3,800 tonnes of cargo a month. This has created more than 150 new jobs at the Airport this year, generating new training opportunities and boosting growth for Ayrshire and the wider Scottish economy. Additionally, this positions Prestwick Airport as a first-class export gateway for Scottish exports such as high value seafood and whisky which are in high demand in mainland China and Hong Kong.

“For the current financial year, the business has exceeded last year’s performance, already achieving its annual operating target in the first six months to Sep 25, and is continuing to build on its success this year. We have also made a significant investment in airfield improvements and new equipment to support our expanding cargo operation.“

Mr Forgie outlined the importance of Glasgow Prestwick to the Ayrshire community, not only for direct jobs, which total over 450, but also the value to the wider area which estmimated to be in the region of £26.6m and supports over 3,300 jobs.

Its proximity to the Royal Naval base at Faslane, home of the UK’s Nuclear Deterrent, also sees a permanent Royal Navy base at the airport making it an important partner in the UK’s Ministry of Defence’s strategic plans.

Ryanair is the only airline at Glasgow Prestwick and in 2024 it celebrated 30 years of operating there. The budget airline has been enjoying a 4% year on year growth from the airport.

Ryanair also operates a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Glasgow Prestwick which employs around 600 people.

The airport has also been reinvesting into the facility with £10m being invested into the airfield, ground handling equipment and security over the last 18 months to support its growth plans.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport, Chair, Willie Mackie added: “This is the sixth year in a row the airport has returned a profit, and this momentum is clear evidence that the Airport’s strategic focus is not only working but setting a strong foundation for long-term success. 

“The performance this financial year to date has been exceptional. The last six months and in particular the growth in the Airport’s cargo operations has been truly transformational and I would thank our staff for their passion and support in helping to deliver real results not only for the Airport but for the wider Ayrshire economy.”