Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) and Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) have entered into a joint development agreement aimed at enhancing cargo flight connections between the two airports, according to an official release from Glasgow Prestwick Airport.
The development agreement was announced at The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) Air Cargo Forum event, held in Miami from 11-14th November 2024.
The partnership aims to strengthen the air cargo trade lane connecting PIK and RFD, and to facilitate the sharing of information between the airports, bolstering the air cargo pull factors to each.
Both PIK and RFD operate full-service facilities around the clock, with no curfews or restrictions on night flying or handling, enabling uninterrupted cargo operations at both locations, mentions the official release.
“We are looking forward to getting underway with this new partnership with RFD, and working with another regional cargo hub to grow this high-potential trade lane,” says Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director, PIK.
“Our initial focus will be on aerospace cargo, as both PIK and RFD are positioned within large aerospace industry clusters.”
Several prominent aerospace manufacturers are based within the catchment areas of both PIK and RFD.
E-commerce is another key focus of this partnership. This announcement follows PIK’s appointment as Royal Mail Group’s international e-commerce gateway to the UK and leverages RFD’s position as an established US e-commerce hub, the release added.
“The Chicago-UK air cargo market flow amounts to over 26,000 tonnes annually and is currently underserved by direct air cargo routes to Scotland,” says Zack Oakley, Executive Director, RFD.
“Developing the air cargo connections between PIK and RFD aims to rectify this while supporting the emerging growth factors for air cargo across the perishables, automotive, pharma, and e-commerce sectors.
“The partnership also allows us to help shippers secure significant cost savings and Co2 reductions, aligning with both airports’ sustainability goals.”
