Chicago Rockford and Cologne Bonn agree cargo partnership

The new cooperative relationship is set to enhance air freight development between the two countries

Both Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) have signed an airport cooperation agreement aimed at helping the development of air cargo traffic between the two regions.

The new collaboration is also set to strengthen knowledge sharing between both bases, whilst supporting the air cargo reach of each airport. The facilities are expected to work on modernised initiatives to develop handling systems to e-commerce cargo.

Joint ambitions for both sites consist of attracting further cargo airlines, alleviating ground challenges and move products quickly so they reach their destination.

Cologne Bonn Airport
Photo Cologne Bonn Airport

The two airports have agreed to support their current cargo customers by evaluating processes and procedures – hoping to restrict delivery times for logistics companies.

Johan Vanneste, president and CEO of Cologne Bonn Airport said: “With the cooperation agreement we will establish a regular communication and exchange platform. The aforementioned exchange will not only include airport operations, aircraft handling and cargo handling, but also security, marketing and sales as well as air cargo and e-commerce market development.”

Located 68 miles from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, RFD is the 17th largest airport in the US for air cargo – handling more than 2.7 billion pounds of freight last year.

The cargo throughput for 2020 was 383,915 metric tons, which was a 17% increase compared with the previous year. The base was named one of the fastest growing cargo facilities in the world in 2019.

RFD is also the second largest UPS site in North America and is the base for Amazon Air.

Comparatively, CGN is based between the city of Cologne and the city of Bonn – the former German capital – in North Rhine-Westphalia.

The hub represents the centre point for Germany’s business and industry development in the west of the region. Both cities combined have around 1.4 million people in their residence.

CGN is also the base for the top global cargo airlines, including UPS, FedEx, DHL and Amazon Air. Throughout last year, the annual throughput was 863,000 metric tons.

“The pronounced similarities between our two airports provide a springboard for us to move forward proactively and efficiently to positively impact business, continued economic development and job growth in our regions. With our goals aligned, together we can enhance services and capabilities benefitting our cargo customers,” added Mike Dunn, executive director, Chicago Rockford International Airport.