Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is setting its sights on expanding its pharmaceutical trade from India, following the successful arrival of its first shipment from the country.

The inaugural shipment, handled by India-based pharma logistics expert Penta Freight India, was transported on behalf of a leading Indian pharmaceutical company. The cargo journey began in Mumbai, made a stop in Frankfurt, and was then transferred via Maersk’s hub at the airport before being flown to RFD aboard a Maersk Air Cargo/Magma Boeing 747-400F freighter.

Upon arrival at RFD, Menzies Aviation swiftly moved the cargo from the aircraft into a temperature-controlled Xperts Group Reefer Truck for direct transport to the Chicago area. This process bypassed traditional airside cargo handling, thanks to RFD’s Good Distribution Practice (GDP) and Good Storage Practice (GSP) protocols, specifically designed to streamline the handling of sensitive pharmaceutical shipments.

RFD Executive Director Zack Oakley highlighted the airport’s goal to capitalize on the increasing demand for pharma exports from India. “The implementation of our GDP and GSP processes at RFD is a direct response to the growing needs of the Indian pharmaceutical sector. Alongside their freight forwarders, they are looking for more efficient ways to handle these sensitive shipments, and RFD offers a less congested and faster alternative,” said Oakley.

A representative from Penta Freight also emphasized the significance of Chicago as a key destination for Indian pharmaceutical products. “Chicago is a major hub for pharma imports from India, and demand is growing rapidly. The streamlined process at RFD, where we can unload the cargo within minutes of landing, significantly reduces CO2 emissions and mitigates risks and costs associated with traditional air cargo handling.”

With the proven success of the GDP-GSP pharma handling process, Penta Freight anticipates further growth in this trade lane, expecting an increase in pharma shipments from India to RFD and other U.S. markets.

This growth in pharma traffic comes as RFD strengthens its partnership with Maersk Air Cargo, which now operates six weekly Boeing 767F flights to Hangzhou Airport (HGH) and three weekly flights to Zhengzhou.