UPS-DHL deal could benefit Rockford airport

Add comment May 29th, 2008

What does the deal between UPS and DHL mean for Chicago Rockford International Airport?

Airport Executive Director Bob O’Brien suspects it’ll mean a boost in cargo coming through here. DHL only flies one plane a day between here and Bloomington. But UPS’s second-largest hub in the country is here, and they already fly about 25 planes a day. If UPS takes on DHL air business, O’Brien said, it stands to reason that more of that traffic would go between UPS hubs. Plus, O’Brien said, Rockford has more room for growth than UPS’ largest hub, Worldport in Louisville.

UPS spokeswoman Christine Hand said it’s too early to say what the local impact is until the deal is finalized.

If you’re a DHL customer, you’ll still apparently be served by that company and its trucks. Your packages will just fly in different planes.