24 Oct 2025
#4 October 2025: China Aviation Industry Newsletter
Beijing Capital Airlines Launches New Glasgow Prestwick–Zhengzhou Route
Beijing Capital Airlines has inaugurated a new four-times-weekly Airbus A330 freighter service between Glasgow Prestwick and Zhengzhou. Each flight will carry a combination of e-commerce and general cargo inbound to the UK, while outbound loads will include premium British exports such as salmon, whisky, and other high-value goods bound for China. Glasgow Prestwick Airport CEO Ian Forgie described the development as a milestone for the airport, stating that this third scheduled service strengthens Prestwick’s position as a leading UK cargo hub. The new link expands capacity and frequency for UK exporters, offering them direct access to one of China’s key inland logistics gateways.
Cathay Cargo Becomes First Airline to Offer Real-Time Customs Clearance via IATA ONE Record
Cathay Cargo announced it has become the first airline to provide customers with real-time customs clearance updates through IATA ONE Record integration. The feature, currently available to users of Cathay’s EzyCargo platform or connected via API, delivers enhanced transparency and shipment tracking across the end-to-end cargo journey. General Manager Cargo Commercial James Evans noted that this advancement encourages greater industry participation in IATA’s digital standards initiative. The expanded visibility layer will be integrated into the Cathay Cargo website for registered account holders in 2026, further improving customer access to live operational data.
CDB Aviation Completes Mandate to Deliver Two A320neos to Azerbaijan Airlines
CDB Aviation announced the successful completion of its delivery mandate for two Airbus A320neo aircraft to Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL). The aircraft, powered by CFM LEAP-1A26 engines, were inducted as part of AZAL’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme to replace older A320 and A319 models. CDB Aviation CEO Jie Chen praised the collaboration between both teams, highlighting the addition of next-generation A320neo Family aircraft as a significant step toward supporting AZAL’s sustainable growth strategy.
Acumen’s Take
On Beijing Capital Airlines’ New Cargo Route
The new Zhengzhou–Glasgow Prestwick service demonstrates China’s growing integration with regional UK logistics infrastructure. By linking a key inland Chinese cargo hub with Scotland’s primary freight gateway, Beijing Capital Airlines is capturing niche demand for high-value perishables and premium exports while diversifying beyond major airports such as Heathrow and Manchester.
On Cathay Cargo’s ONE Record Expansion
Cathay’s real-time customs clearance update marks a major milestone in cargo digitisation. This advancement not only enhances operational transparency but also aligns Cathay with IATA’s long-term vision for a fully digital cargo ecosystem. The move reinforces Hong Kong’s leadership in smart logistics and may accelerate adoption among regional competitors.
On CDB Aviation’s A320neo Deliveries
CDB Aviation’s completion of the Azerbaijan Airlines mandate underscores the leasing sector’s role in supporting regional fleet renewal. Deliveries to AZAL highlight CDB’s deepening footprint in Eurasia and its continued focus on delivering efficient, next-generation assets that strengthen operator sustainability objectives.
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