Senator establishes US Midwest base at RFD

German shipping firm Senator International has named Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) as its US Midwest hub.

The company has been operating its own transatlantic cargo flights, known as its Senator Atlantic Bridge (SAB) since 2016 and it recently launched a twice-weekly service to RFD “offering a new and much needed connection into the Midwest”.

Senator has also contracted aviation firm Emery Air, which is based at RFD, to oversee its cargo handling operations.

RFD recently began construction work on its new cargo facility which will house Senator, Emery Air and other operators. The facility is expected to be complete and open by the summer of 2021.

• Chicago Rockford starts construction of new cargo facility

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• Chicago RFD set on continued cargo growth

Ralf Schneider, chief operating officer at Senator International, commented: “Senator is delighted to be working with the Rockford Airport Authority and Emery Air on the development of the new airport cargo warehouse, as this will give us the ability to support the growing demands of air cargo within the US Midwest — a market we have strongly focused on and have committed ourselves to develop over the years to come.”

Brian Ciambra, chief executive at Emery Air, added: “We are excited to welcome Senator to RFD and are eager to be part of the amazing growth at the airport.”

“Our capabilities along with our staff’s attention to detail and ‘can do’ spirit make it a great fit for all involved.”

Mike Dunn, director of RFD, said: “We’re thrilled to officially welcome Senator to RFD and very pleased they selected Emery Air, a long-standing and quality local operator, to handle their operations.”