* RFD is the three-letter FAA airport code for the Chicago/Rockford International Airport

* RFD is 75 minutes northwest of Chicago O’Hare; 58 nautical miles

* RFD is 5x the “land mass” of Chicago Midway Airport

* RFD’s primary runway is 10,000 feet long; 35% larger than Chicago Midway’s longest runway

* The second runway is 8,200 feet long (still larger than Chicago Midway’s longest)

* RFD’s primary runway is equipped with the sophisticated Category II/III Instrument Landing System (ILS); the only other Midwestern airports with CAT II/III ILS are: MSP, MKE, ORD, DTW, IND, STL.

* RFD’s airspace is independently separate from Chicago O’Hare and the FAA Control Tower is operated 24/7, 365 days per year (no delays or cancellations due to congestion or weather)

* RFD has an “International Arrival Gate” operated by US Customs and Federal Inspection Services (FIS), with 24/7 availability. Apple Vacations currently provides non-stop service to Cancun, Mexico from RFD.

* RFD charges “NO” airport rents or fees in conjunction with the use of the International Arrival Gate
facility.

* RFD has a modern two story, highly-efficient Terminal Building with three jet bridge positions for regional jet operations handling aircraft as large as the Boeing 767. RFD can land and launch any airline in the world capable of non-stop flying to Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America.

* RFD is the 18th largest air cargo airport in the entire U.S. Air cargo operators include: United Parcel Service (3rd largest cargo sorting operation in their system), BAX Global, and DHL.

* RFD has aggressively pursued passenger air service development, rising from the 630th largest
passenger service airport in 2002 to 215th in 2007. Airline operators currently providing service are:
Allegiant Air to Las Vegas, Phoenix-Mesa, Orlando, Clearwater/St. Pete (Tampa Bay Area); DirectAir to Ft. Myers Area/Punta Gorda and Apple Vacations to Cancun, Mexico.

* RFD’s landing fees are 52% cheaper than Chicago O’Hare’s most-favored rate; RFD $1.964 per 1,000 pounds verses $2.99 at ORD

* RFD’s terminal use rents and fees are based on a per passenger cost between $4 and $5 each. RFD has “no” overnight aircraft parking fees.

Interested in learning more about RFD?

Local author Richard Lewis has written the book "It was an Airport before it was an Airport - The Story of Greater Rockford Airport from Camp Grant to the Present Day" highlighting RFD's rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Copies are available for purchase.