Amazon Air has announced plans to expand its operation at Chicago Rockford International (RFD) Airport.
The airport said the e-commerce giant will increase its 70,000 square foot facility by an extra 120,000 square feet and also take over the lease of the facility.
Amazon Air currently operates out of more than 20 airports across the US. The expanded gateway RFD, which is expected to open next year, will allow for increased capacity and package sorting.
“We are excited to extend our Amazon Air operation at Chicago Rockford International Airport,” Amazon Air director, Sarah Rhoads, said in a news release. “We are expanding the operation in Rockford to ensure we have the capacity to continue to fulfill our promise to our customers.”
ABX Air started flying freighters for Amazon through RFD in 2016. Air Transport International (ATI) also flies for Amazon via RFD and so does Atlas Air.
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said: “We are thrilled to see this expansion. This says a lot about the investments we have made as a community coupled with the great leadership from the director and board to ensure that our airport continues to be a driving economic force for our community and region.”
Amazon Air operates a fleet of 40 freighters with 20 serviced by Atlas Air and the rest through ATSG (ABX Air and ATI).
