Glasgow Prestwick Airport and Chicago Rockford International Airport have signed a joint development agreement to promote cargo flights between the two locations. The partnership aims to strengthen the air cargo trade lane connecting the airports and facilitate the sharing of information to bolster air cargo pull factors to each. Both airports operate full-service 24/7 operations with no curfews or night flying restrictions, allowing for continuous cargo operations.
Nico Le Roux, PIK’s Business Development Director, said, “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. Our initial focus will be on aerospace cargo, as both PIK and RFD are positioned within large aerospace industry clusters.”
Several high-value aerospace manufacturers operate within the catchment areas of both airports.
Partnership strengthens air cargo trade
E-commerce is another major focus of this partnership. The announcement follows PIK’s appointment as Royal Mail Group’s international e-commerce gateway to the UK, capitalizing on RFD’s position as an established US e-commerce hub. Zack Oakley, Executive Director at RFD, highlighted the significance of the Chicago-UK air cargo market flow, which amounts to over 26,000 tonnes annually and is currently underserved by direct air cargo routes to Scotland.
“Developing the air cargo connections between and RFD aims to rectify this while supporting the emerging growth factors for air cargo across the perishables, automotive, pharma, and e-commerce sectors,” Oakley said. “The partnership also allows us to help shippers secure cost savings and CO2 reductions, aligning with both airports’ sustainability goals.”
The development agreement was announced at the 2024 International Air Cargo Association (TIACA)’s Air Cargo Forum event in Miami.
