december2021january2022 - 31

CARGO MATTERS
Air freight has been a core component of RFD's strategic growth
plan for decades, as it maximized its opportunities as a regional
airport on the outskirts of a major metropolitan area.
saw a 30 percent increase in landed weight
from the previous year.
Taking Advantage of a
Regional Airport's Assets
At RFD, carriers experience the same access
to the Chicago metropolitan area - but with
far less congestion. One of the world's busiest
airports is less than 70 miles away, but
its vectored approaches, long taxi times and
considerable ground holding result in slower
cargo recovery speeds.
Simply put, RFD's size and location allow
cargo to be moved more efficiently.
RFD's wait time is lower for both airplanes
and trucks, keeping cargo moving into the
hands of businesses and consumers far more
quickly. It also is just minutes away from
multiple state and federal highways, allowing
cargo to be on its way to locations throughout
North America.
But it's not just location setting the stage
for success in Rockford. Airfreight operations
take up a large footprint of the real estate for
an airport - real estate that's already limited at
land-locked, metropolitan airports. RFD has
ample room to grow in a way that can accommodate
warehousing, storage and trucking
needs for years to come.
RFD completed a 90,000-square-foot
facility as part of the International Cargo
Facility to meet the needs of freight forwarders
and air cargo airlines. Additional plans are in
the works, as well, to support future growth.
That's because international freight is the
fastest-growing sector at RFD, consisting of
up to 20 percent of its total cargo business.
At present, RFD handles freight levels that
At RFD, carriers experience the same access to the Chicago
metropolitan area - but with far less congestion.
are comparable to what it was like during the
holiday seasons in years' past.
As all businesses know, success comes from
more than brick and mortar. It's about people.
While employers nationwide are experiencing
staffing challenges, RFD has a long history of
supporting training for both cargo handlers
and aviation mechanics - key components to
cargo freight success. Another major factor
comes from the expertise that RFD has poured
into its local supply chain. RFD leaders have
never wanted the airport to simply be a place
where carriers do business and then go on
their way. Airport officials are invested in
their carriers' success. They do more than
simply provide a runway for aircraft to land
and take off.
Rather, RFD offers expertise in helping
freight airlines and forwarders move their
product efficiently on the ground. Officials
coordinate trucking, warehousing and material
handling as integral parts of the supply
chain. Airport leaders have long made a point
of anticipating market shifts to stay a step
ahead of its customers' needs.
With its intentional blend of cargo air
freight and passenger service, RFD offers a
case study for other regional airports in the
benefits of diversification. The two different
service lines help the airport withstand
economic swings and even prosper when
others struggle.
Successful cargo operations rely on
long-term vision casting. It's about looking
beyond the next 12 months at a longer
term, bigger picture. Opportunities abound
for regional airports, particularly those near
major metro areas, to excel in the air cargo
and logistics arena.
All it takes is solid infrastructure, the right
location, and a whole lot of sweat equity.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mike Dunn, as executive director for the Chicago Rockford International Airport
(RFD), is responsible for securing opportunities for the growth of the airport through
additional cargo and passenger business as well as work with government officials
to secure grants and additional support and advocacy.
DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022 AviationPros.com 31
Photos courtesy of Chicago Rockford International Airport
http://www.AviationPros.com
december2021january2022

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