Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) and Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) have signed a joint development agreement to promote cargo flights between the two locations.

The partnership aims to strengthen the air cargo trade lane connecting PIK and RFD, and to facilitate the sharing of information between the airports, bolstering the air cargo pull factors to each.

Both PIK and RFD run full-service operations 24/7, with no curfews and no night flying or handling restrictions, allowing for continuous cargo operations at either end.

“We are looking forward to getting underway with this new partnership with RFD, and working with another regional cargo hub to grow this high-potential trade lane,” said Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director, PIK.

“Our initial focus will be on aerospace cargo, as both PIK and RFD are positioned within large aerospace industry clusters.”

Several high-value aerospace manufacturers operate within the catchment areas of both PIK and RFD.

E-commerce is another major focus of this partnership; this announcement follows PIK’s appointment as Royal Mail Group’s international e-commerce gateway to the UK, and capitalises on RFD’s position as an established U.S. e-commerce hub.

“The Chicago-UK air cargo market flow amounts to over 26,000 tons annually and is currently underserved by direct air cargo routes to Scotland,” said Zack Oakley, Executive Director, RFD.

“Developing the air cargo connections between PIK and RFD aims to rectify this, while supporting the emerging growth factors for air cargo across the perishables, automotive, pharma, and e-commerce sectors.

“The partnership also allows us to help shippers secure significant cost savings and Co2 reductions, aligning with both airports’ sustainability goals.”