Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) has successfully managed its longest-ever piece of freight, reinforcing its capability to handle outsized cargo for the oil and gas industry. The shipment, originating from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, included a 67-foot-long, 24-tonne component, transported on three 20-foot connecting pallets.
The cargo also comprised two additional 40-foot components destined for further transport to Aberdeen. Due to its size and complexity, the offloading process required precise coordination and the use of three main deck loaders and two cranes. Despite the logistical challenges, the entire operation was completed in just 30 minutes.
Jules Matteoni, operations director at PIK, highlighted the level of planning and expertise required for such an operation. “The safe, careful, and efficient offloading of this cargo required extensive planning from our in-house ground handling team at Prestwick,” he said. “Handling such a large piece of freight requires immense coordination and expertise.”
The efficient execution of this operation was made possible by recent infrastructure investments at PIK. The airport’s newly acquired high loaders, with lifting capacities of 20 and 35 tonnes, played a crucial role in the successful offloading process. These additions were part of a broader commitment to improving freight handling capabilities.
Nico Le Roux, business development director at PIK, emphasized the importance of these enhancements. “Last year, we decided to invest significantly in our infrastructure, and the success of this operation is a direct result of that commitment,” he stated. “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 investment strategy also included acquiring a heavy-duty pushback tractor, 12 new dollies, a Rapiscan X-ray machine, and cold storage facilities capable of maintaining temperatures between -30°C and +25°C. These enhancements reinforce the airport’s ability to handle specialized cargo efficiently and safely.
As demand for project logistics continues to grow, PIK remains a key player in facilitating the movement of heavy and oversized freight. Its commitment to infrastructure development and operational efficiency ensures it can meet the evolving needs of industries reliant on specialized cargo solutions.
