Challenge Group to launch India-US freighter service via Belgium

Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) will welcome a new twice-weekly Boeing 777 freighter service operated by Challenge Group from 4 November 2026, strengthening cargo connectivity between India, Europe and the United States.

The service will originate at Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) in India, transit through Liège Airport (LGG) in Belgium, and arrive at RFD in Illinois.

The new route will also facilitate outbound cargo movements from Rockford through Liège, where Challenge Group operates a network of approximately 1,500 truck movements per month, providing onward connections across Europe and linking shipments to India.

The launch is expected to strengthen Rockford's international air cargo network while expanding Challenge Group's operations in North America. The service will primarily handle pharmaceuticals, oversized shipments, and out-of-gauge cargo, with plans to introduce live animal (AVI) transportation in the future.

Or Zak, Group Chief Commercial Officer, Challenge Group, said, “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 specialised cargo between India, Europe and the United States.”

The service further strengthens RFD's efforts to expand its international freighter network and position the airport as a key US gateway for specialised cargo. 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.”

The Group sees significant potential to expand the partnership beyond the initial twice-weekly service by increasing flight frequencies and introducing live animal (AVI) transportation.

Located approximately 40 miles from animal quarantine facilities, a distance comparable to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), RFD is currently seeking approval from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to handle AVI shipments.

Rene Espinet, Vice President – Cargo Business Development, RFD, said, “RFD is well positioned to support this service as it develops, with cargo-focused infrastructure and the capacity to accommodate specialised freight. Challenge will have access to the wider Chicago market, combined with the efficiency, flexibility, and reduced congestion of a dedicated freighter airport.”

RFD will arrange dedicated temperature-controlled trucking services for pharmaceutical shipments arriving on the new route, ensuring onward transport to destinations across the Rockford area and warehousing facilities in Chicago.

The announcement was made at the International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) Air Cargo Forum, held in Miami from 26–29 October 2026.