MEDIA RELEASE

For more information, contact:                                                                                                        April, 2026
Shaquil Manigault

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RFD Finalist for Airport of the Year – Regional Cargo Hub

Recognition highlights RFD’s cargo growth, operational efficiency, global partnerships, and long-term infrastructure advantage

ROCKFORD, Ill. (April xx, 2026) – Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) has been selected as a finalist for the World Air Cargo Awards  Airport of the Year – Regional Cargo Hub, an award that recognizes airports globally demonstrating exceptional performance in facilitating and supporting air cargo operations. The recognition highlights airports that deliver strong infrastructure, seamless logistics, and outstanding service that help drive the efficiency and growth of the global air cargo industry. For RFD, the nomination reflects its continued growth as a leading cargo gateway and one of the fastest-growing air cargo airports in the world.

This recognition is not just about volume, it speaks to the way RFD operates and the advantages it offers carriers, freight forwarders, and shippers. The airport is currently processing around 600,000 tons of cargo annually and can add another 220,000 tons without building new facilities or changing its existing footprint. At full build-out, RFD can produce well over – One (1) million tons of total capacity. Approved land at the airport can also support an additional One (1) million square-feet of warehouse space and 16 widebody aircraft parking positions.

“At RFD, our cargo strategy has been focused on building an airport that helps operators move faster, reduce costs, and scale with confidence,” said Zack Oakley, Executive Director of RFD. “This selection reflects the strength of our team, our partners, and the long-term investments that have made RFD a serious player in cargo not only in the Midwest, but internationally.”

Momentum has been strengthened by RFD’s growing network of international partnerships. In recent years, the airport launched a GDP-certified pharmaceutical trade lane from India, grew cargo connectivity through Glasgow Prestwick Airport in the United Kingdom, and signed a sister airport agreement with Liège Airport (LGG) in Belgium.

RFD’s on-airport cargo operation is supported by a strong mix of global and national operators that move an average of 85 cargo flights each day. UPS operates its second-largest North American hub at RFD, while Amazon Air has established the airport as a key Chicago gateway with sustained multi-year growth. Maersk Air Cargo adds scheduled freighter service through the LGG lane. This past October DSV announced their Shanghai Star route connects Asia to Latin America via RFD. Together, these operations underscore the scale, consistency, and international reach that continue to make RFD a cargo airport built for long-term growth.

Operationally, RFD continues to separate itself through speed and reliability. Typically, it is about five minutes from wheels down to engines off, with minimal airside or ground congestion common at larger hub airports. The airport’s cargo model can save about 50 minutes per rotation and deliver more than a 70 percent reduction in cost per rotation, helping carriers protect schedules and improve operating efficiency. RFD also has no aircraft limitations, supported by two runways measuring 10,000 feet and 8,199 feet.

Beyond cargo operations, RFD continues to generate major value for the Rockford region. The airport supports approximately 8,000 jobs, drives billions in annual economic impact, and continues investing in the future of aviation through its partnership with Rock Valley College’s aviation maintenance training program. The airport also includes a 200,000 square-foot aviation maintenance repair facility with hangar space capable of servicing up to four Boeing 787s or two Boeing 747-8 aircraft at a time.

“RFD’s impact goes far beyond the cargo we move every day,” Oakley said. “This airport is a major economic engine for the region, supporting thousands of jobs, driving investment, and helping prepare the next generation of aviation talent right here in Rockford.”

For more information about RFD, visit FlyRFD.com.

About Chicago Rockford International Airport

The Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is ranked as the 14th largest airport in the United States for air cargo with more than 3.4 billion pounds of landed weight in 2025. The Airport is home to the second-largest UPS hub in North America and is a major base of operations for Amazon Air. The Airport campus encompasses an aviation maintenance repair facility (AAR) as well as other aircraft maintenance operations capable of servicing next-generation aircraft. There is also an aviation education maintenance program (Rock Valley College) on airport grounds that is turning out a highly trained and skilled workforce.

RFD and its tenants are home to approximately 8,000 jobs and contribute billions of dollars of economic impact to the region annually.

Additionally, RFD has direct domestic and international passenger flights which further strengthens the airport as a key transportation hub to the region. RFD offers passenger flights through Allegiant Airlines, Apple Vacations, and American Airlines to more than 350 destinations worldwide.

Visit FlyRFD.com for more information.