Zachary Oakley on RFD’s cargo boom, new partnerships and the sister airport deal with Liege

In this exclusive interview, Rajarshi Chatterjee, Assistant Editor at STAT Publishing Group, sits down with Zachary D Oakley, Executive Director of Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD), for an in-depth conversation on the airport’s fast-rising cargo profile and global partnership strategy. Oakley explains why RFD signed a sister airport partnership agreement with Liege Airport, shares insights into new cargo routes and commodities, and discusses the airport’s expanding ecosystem of operators and integrators.

He also touches on the impact of tariffs and de minimis changes on cargo flows through RFD, sheds light on customs operations, and highlights the airport’s sustainability initiatives as it positions itself as a key Midwest cargo gateway with 24/7 operations and freighter handling capabilities.