Chicago Rockford starts construction of new cargo facility

Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) has started constructing a 90,000 sq ft cargo hub as part of a two-phase expansion of its airfreight facilities.

Located on the south side of the airport, the facility is expected to open in the summer of next year and will house Emery Air and Senator International, as well as other cargo operators.

RFD is home to UPS’ second-largest North American air operation and to one of Amazon Air’s largest air operations.

Earlier this year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released its 2019 all-cargo data for US Airports, which showed RFD sustained its position as the nineteenth largest cargo airport in the US.

Mike Dunn, RFD executive director, commented: “RFD has been very successful with its UPS and Amazon operations. We have been working very hard over the last several years to bring in what we call heavy freighters from all over the world. Our recent agreement with senator international of Hamburg, Germany, as well as our success in attracting companies like Magma Aviation (London, UK), Air Atlanta (Iceland) and Longtail Aviation (Bermuda) has caused a need for this new, modern facility.”

“With the expansion, we now anticipate the arrival of more new cargo aircraft from around the world in addition to the UPS and Amazon operations.”

Paul R. Cicero, Greater Rockford Airport Authority board chair, added: “This ongoing expansion of the international cargo operations at RFD is something that our staff and board have been working on for a long time. We’re very excited to see this new activity.”