From 04NOV26, Challenge Group will operate twice-weekly Boeing 777 freighter flights to Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD), connecting India, Europe and the US. Starting out at Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) in India, the flight touches down in Liège Airport (LGG) in Belgium, before continuing on to Rockford. Shipments departing from RFD for Liège on the return route, have the benefit of connecting to one of Challenge’s circa 1,500 monthly truck movements across Europe, or can continue on to India. The service will mainly carry pharmaceuticals and oversized cargo, with live animal transport planned for later. RFD is awaiting U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approval for animal shipments and sits about 40 miles/64.5 km from quarantine facilities – similar to the distance from O’Hare.
For pharmaceutical freight, RFD will arrange dedicated temperature-controlled trucking to Rockford-area destinations and Chicago warehouses. The route strengthens the airport’s international freighter network and its ambition to become a U.S. gateway for specialized cargo, while expanding Challenge’s North American presence.
Or Zak, Group Chief Commercial Officer, Challenge Group, explained: “Chicago is a strategically important market, serving a broad range of industries that depend on reliable international cargo connectivity. By introducing this service through Rockford, we are creating additional opportunities for customers moving specialized cargo between India, Europe and the United States. As our global operations continue to expand, we need airport partners that can accommodate our growing requirements and develop alongside us. Rockford offers the capacity, flexibility, and long-term potential to support this growth.”
Zack Oakley, Executive Director, RFD, said: “This new service is a direct result of our continued efforts to attract international freighter operators to Rockford, particularly the work we have undertaken to establish the airport as a leading cold chain corridor into the United States. We see significant potential to grow this partnership beyond the initial twice-weekly service, including increasing flight frequencies and supporting AVI transport.”
Rene Espinet, Vice President – Cargo Business Development, RFD, added: “RFD is well positioned to support this service as it develops, with cargo-focused infrastructure and the capacity to accommodate specialized freight. Challenge will have access to the wider Chicago market, combined with the efficiency, flexibility, and reduced congestion of a dedicated freighter airport.”
