Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) and Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) have launched a new partnership to strengthen cargo operations between Scotland and the US Midwest. The collaboration was recently announced at The International Air Cargo Association’s Air Cargo Forum in Miami. It aims to establish a robust air cargo trade lane between these strategic locations. Glasgow Prestwick Airport, situated on Scotland’s west coast, serves as a crucial gateway for international cargo.
The airport’s strategic location provides excellent access to Scotland’s aerospace industry cluster and recently secured its position as Royal Mail Group‘s international e-commerce gateway to the UK. With comprehensive customs facilities and extensive aircraft handling capabilities, PIK offers an efficient entry point to the British market.
Chicago Rockford International Airport, located in Illinois, has established itself as a major US e-commerce hub. The airport’s central location in the American Midwest makes it an ideal distribution point for cargo services.
RFD has invested significantly in its infrastructure to handle increasing cargo volumes and serves as a vital link in the US logistics network.
Both airports operate 24/7 with no restrictions on night flying or handling, enabling seamless cargo operations around the clock. This unrestricted access provides significant advantages for time-sensitive shipments and helps optimize supply chain efficiency.
Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director at PIK, explains the partnership’s initial focus. We’re targeting aerospace cargo operations, leveraging both airports’ positions within major aerospace manufacturing clusters.
The surrounding regions host numerous high-value aerospace manufacturers, creating natural synergies for this collaboration.
The Chicago-UK air cargo market currently moves over 26,000 tons annually, with significant potential for growth in direct routes to Scotland. Zack Oakley, Executive Director at RFD, notes that this partnership addresses an underserved market while supporting expansion across multiple sectors.
The agreement particularly benefits the transportation of perishables, automotive components, pharmaceutical products, and e-commerce shipments. Each sector presents unique growth opportunities in the transatlantic corridor.
The direct connection between PIK and RFD delivers substantial advantages for shippers through various improvements to existing cargo routes. Companies utilizing this new trade lane will benefit from reduced transportation costs through optimized routing and improved delivery times.
Additionally, the partnership supports environmental sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions through more efficient, direct transportation routes. These improvements in operational efficiency contribute to both cost savings and environmental protection.
The partnership includes initiatives to share operational information and best practices between the airports. This collaboration will help both facilities enhance their cargo handling capabilities and develop specialized services for key industries.
By establishing this strategic partnership, both airports are positioning themselves to capture growing international trade opportunities while supporting their regions’ economic development. The agreement represents a significant step forward in strengthening transatlantic air cargo connections and providing improved services for shippers on both sides of the Atlantic.
