Chicago Rockford International Airport

Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) represents a modern, thriving regional hub serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, supporting cargo hub operations, regional commercial service, business aviation, and general operations. Located strategically on the I-90 corridor between Chicago and the Wisconsin border, RFD has evolved into one of the nation's major cargo hubs, rivaling much larger metropolitan airports in cargo capacity and operational sophistication. With extensive runway facilities including runways measuring 7,500 and 12,000 feet, RFD accommodates large wide-body cargo aircraft, regional jets, and extensive general aviation operations. The airport's unique position as a major cargo operations hub, particularly for express shipping providers including FedEx, UPS, and other national carriers, creates exceptional specialized aviation demand and significant economic activity within the region. The surrounding Winnebago County area includes Rockford's population of 145,000, while the greater northern Illinois region extends the comprehensive service area to tens of millions of residents. RFD has strategically evolved from a traditional general aviation airport into one of the nation's premier cargo aviation facilities, with multiple major cargo carriers establishing primary operational bases and aircraft maintenance facilities. The airport's cargo facilities rival and in some cases exceed many larger metropolitan airports in both capacity, sophistication, and operational capability. For business aviation, the airport attracts corporate operators and regional charter services seeking alternative bases to congested Chicago area airports. The airport's modern cargo facilities, competitive pricing, and convenient I-90 location support robust business aviation activity and growth. Multiple fixed-based operators provide comprehensive aviation services and amenities supporting both cargo and business aviation. For aircraft financing, RFD offers excellent opportunities in the cargo, regional charter, and business aviation sectors with strong growth fundamentals. Business and cargo aircraft based at RFD show exceptional utilization in regional and national operations. Lenders view RFD as a growth market with strong expansion potential within the extended Chicago metropolitan region and northern Illinois corridor. The airport's ongoing infrastructure investments and modernization projects signal confidence in continued expansion and economic growth. The cargo sector's continuing national growth supports specialized aircraft opportunities and expansion potential.