New partnerships with cargo carriers helped Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) achieve a 1.5% year on year increase in cargo volumes in 2024.
In 2024, 3.14bn pounds of landed weight travelled through the US airport, making it the third-largest year ever for its air cargo operations.
RFD said the year-over-year “growth can be credited in part by RFD’s relationships with new international partners and current airport tenants”.
UPS played a major part in cargo operations at the airport, said RFD. Last year, UPS celebrated its 30th anniversary at the airport.
In April, UPS was awarded a major air cargo contract by the United States Postal Service (USPS), making UPS its primary air cargo provider and responsible for moving much of its air cargo within the US.
Increased flights by Amazon Air and Maersk Air Cargo also helped to drive growth in 2024.
Meanwhile, RFD has also been working on expanding its offsite partnerships. In November, the airport signed a joint development agreement with Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) in Scotland to promote cargo flights between the two locations.
Specialist cargo growth is also a focus. For example, RFD aims to target further growth in the pharma trade from India.
RFD further expects more growth this year. “We value our long-term partnerships with UPS, Amazon Air, and Maersk Air Cargo and the contributions they bring to our regional economy. We look forward to the continued success in 2025,” said Zack Oakley, executive director of RFD.
Oakley has been in the role of executive director for just over a year after working as RFD’s deputy director of operations and planning since 2017.