Scottish airport celebrates fifth consecutive year of profit and announces new strategic partnerships

Glasgow Prestwick Airport has returned a £3.2m operating profit for the year 2023-24, a significant achievement that reflects the strength and resilience of its diverse business model. With revenue streams spanning passenger travel, cargo operations, general aviation, fuel supply and property, the Airport continues to demonstrate its capacity for sustainable growth and long-term success. 

The latest financial results are a testament to the ongoing success of Prestwick’s strategic approach to business diversification and investment in core areas. The Airport’s balanced portfolio has positioned it as a key player in the region’s economic development, while also offering an attractive proposition for new business ventures. 

New Partnerships to Secure Future Growth 

Prestwick’s future growth strategy is further strengthened by new partnerships that will drive expansion in the high-demand cargo sector. One of the key developments is its collaboration with Royal Mail, announced in June 2024. This strategic partnership aims to attract e-commerce cargo flights to Prestwick through their joint offering: ‘The Fast and Efficient Ecommerce Solution for the UK.’ By leveraging Royal Mail’s extensive logistics network and Prestwick’s capabilities as a prime cargo handling facility, this solution is expected to streamline e-commerce logistics, enhancing delivery speeds and efficiency for the growing e-commerce market. 

In addition, Prestwick Airport will shortly announce another strategic partnership with a US airport which aims to establish a new transatlantic cargo corridor, initially focusing on aerospace shipments such as engines, engine parts, and specialised tooling. The collaboration will promote direct cargo flights between the two airports, which are well-positioned to handle high-value, time-sensitive goods. 

This agreement also opens the door to exploring the use of Prestwick as a strategic pitstop on already established cargo routes between the US airport and Europe. This initiative is set to enhance the efficiency of existing services and create opportunities for further commercial expansion in the future. 

The Airport continues to service its scheduled passengers with its long-term relationship with Ryanair and a new five-year agreement for passenger services, resulting in a new winter route this year and an increase in the frequency of flights next summer. The Airport remains an important base for Ryanair with an Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility on site employing more than 600 people. 
 

Commenting on the latest results and the new partnerships, Ian Forgie, Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow Prestwick Airport, said: “We are incredibly proud to celebrate our fifth consecutive year of profitability, a milestone that underlines the success of our strategic vision. Our diverse business streams are proving to be robust and adaptable, allowing us to capitalise on growth opportunities even in a challenging market environment. The new partnerships with Royal Mail and the US airport highlight our commitment to expanding our cargo operations and establishing Prestwick as a leading hub for e-commerce and aerospace logistics. We look forward to building on these partnerships and driving continued growth for the benefit of Ayrshire and the wider UK economy.” 

Chair of the Board of Directors, Willie Mackie, said: “I am very pleased to report another year of improving performance at Glasgow Prestwick Airport. Market conditions remained challenging, however we have seen further tangible evidence that our strategic focus across the business is delivering positive trading results. 

“The Directors and the Executive Team remain fully committed to maximising the potential of the Airport and to delivering the maximum return to our shareholder.” 

Future Outlook 

As Prestwick Airport looks to the future, the focus will be on further expanding its cargo capabilities, leveraging its strategic location, and maximising opportunities in both established and emerging markets. With a clear growth strategy in place, Prestwick is well-positioned to deliver long-term value for its stakeholders and continue serving as a key gateway for trade and commerce.