Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) has handled its longest-ever piece of freight as part of a consignment for the oil and gas sector. The cargo was flown to PIK from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, alongside two additional 40-foot components for further on-carriage to Aberdeen.
The longest piece, measuring 67 feet and weighing 24 tonnes, was transported on three 20-foot connecting pallets and required three main deck loaders and two cranes for safe offloading. The entire operation was completed in 30 minutes.
“The safe, careful, and efficient offloading of this cargo required extensive planning from our in-house ground handling team at Prestwick,” said Jules Matteoni, Operations Director, PIK. “Handling such a large piece of freight requires immense coordination and expertise, two of our key assets.”
PIK’s investments in equipment last year were integral to the operation; its new high loaders, with capacities of 20 and 35 tonnes, were used to offload this consignment.
“Last year, we decided to invest significantly in our infrastructure, and the success of this operation is a direct result of that commitment,” said Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director, PIK. “We are dedicated to supporting our clients and the industries they operate in, particularly outsized cargo for the oil and gas sector, which has always been one of our strengths.”
PIK’s additional investments included a heavy-duty pushback tractor, 12 new dollies, a Rapiscan X-ray machine, and cold storage facilities ranging from -30°C to +25°C.
The airport’s cargo handling capabilities are supported by its 24/7 operations, with no restrictions or curfews on inbound or outbound flights.
Its uncongested air and ground paths also enable faster turnaround times, with an average of two hours for a wide-bodied freighter aircraft.
PIK’s location on the Great Circle route, between the Middle East and the USA, makes it an effective hub for transportation. Its west of Scotland location also provides direct links to the UK’s motorway network, as well as its own cargo railway siding, and easy access to nearby ferry services to Ireland.