Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) in Scotland and Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) in the United States have signed a strategic joint development agreement designed to enhance cargo operations and facilitate new trade lanes between the two airports. Announced at The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA)’s Air Cargo Forum in Miami, the partnership signals a significant commitment to strengthen the transatlantic air cargo connection.
The agreement aims to optimize cargo flow between PIK and RFD by promoting cargo flights and facilitating data sharing to advance business efficiencies for air freight. Both airports provide full-service cargo operations around the clock with no curfews or night-flight restrictions, enabling continuous cargo handling and dispatch.
“We are thrilled to initiate this partnership with RFD and to collaborate with a fellow regional cargo hub to drive growth on this promising trade route,” said Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director at Glasgow Prestwick Airport. “Our initial focus will be on aerospace cargo, as both PIK and RFD are situated within significant aerospace clusters, which will offer immediate synergies.”
The partnership also positions the two airports as key hubs for high-value cargo across the aerospace and e-commerce sectors. Chicago Rockford is already an established e-commerce center, while Glasgow Prestwick recently received designation as an e-commerce hub for the UK Royal Mail Group.
“The Chicago-UK air cargo market currently moves over 26,000 tons annually but lacks direct service to Scotland,” stated Zack Oakley, Executive Director at Chicago Rockford International Airport. “Our collaboration with PIK will address this gap, supporting growth in perishables, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce. This partnership also enables shippers to benefit from reduced costs and CO2 emissions, aligning with our shared commitment to sustainability.”
Glasgow Prestwick Airport recently invested £2.2 million in advanced cargo handling equipment, including cold storage and x-ray systems, to accelerate processing times. Meanwhile, RFD is set to expand its footprint in the pharmaceutical cargo sector, recently receiving its inaugural pharma shipment from India as part of ongoing trade development.
The joint agreement between PIK and RFD represents a proactive step toward addressing the current cargo demand while opening new avenues for transatlantic trade, benefiting industries and communities on both sides of the Atlantic.