Chicago RFD and Leipzig form partnership targeting a direct freighter service
23 / 01 / 2019
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ) have formed a strategic partnership they hope will lead to a freighter service between the two hubs.
The partnership will see the two airports integrate business systems, share knowledge on IT systems and platforms, strengthen Germany-Illinois trade to support air cargo and share and coordinate market intelligence.
They will also work together to cross-promote services and network with potential customers and service providers including, cargo airlines, brokers, forwarders, logistics firms, shippers and e-logistics providers.
The two hubs said they would also discuss the potential of "building a direct freighter service between Leipzig and Chicago".
RFD executive director Mike Dunn said: “We are extremely excited about the opportunity to partner with such a closely matched peer airport to help accelerate our cargo growth.
“RFD has a lot of knowledge, efficiencies, best practices and lessons learned that we look forward to sharing with LEJ, and we look forward to gaining additional expertise from LEJ through this partnership. It’s a win-win for both organizations.”
According to RFD, Germany is the fourth-largest export market for manufacturers in Illinois, outranked only by Canada, Mexico and China. Illinois’ exports to Germany totaled $3.4bn in 2017, a 71.2% increase since 2009.
In the other direction, Germany is Illinois’ fifth-largest import market with imports totaling $5.6bn.
"In addition to the strong import and export partnerships, German firms employ over 35,000 Illinoisans at 825 separate locations from 221 German subsidiary companies who have operations in Illinois," RFD added.
"This makes Germany Illinois’ 4th largest Foreign Direct Investment Partner, according to the Illinois Department of Commerce."
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