Prestwick Airport Handles Record 67-Foot Freight

Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) has handled its longest-ever piece of freight, as part of a consignment for the oil and gas sector.

The team transported the cargo from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to PIK, including two extra 40-foot components, for onward delivery to Aberdeen.

The team transported the longest piece, measuring 67 feet and weighing 24 tonnes, on three 20-foot connecting pallets, using three main deck loaders and two cranes for safe offloading.

The team completed the entire operation 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.”

Read: Hong Kong Air Cargo Launches Flights to Prestwick

Last year, PIK invested in equipment that was integral to the operation; the team used new high loaders, with capacities of 20 and 35 tonnes, 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 support our clients and their industries, focusing on outsized cargo for the oil and gas sector, one of our key 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.