Premium pigs take flight from LCK
At the end of 2023, Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) topped the ranks at #1 in the nation for swine exports—and 2025 is already shaping up to be another busy year. So far, the airport has sent out multiple flights carrying nearly 3,000 pigs, with more exports anticipated later this fall.
But these aren’t your average farm pigs.
“These are premium genetic livestock from PIC—the Pig Improvement Company, which started in Oxfordshire, England,” explained Adam Turner, Supervisor, Fixed-Base Operations (FBO).
“Economic factors in the pork industry—like mass culling due to disease, genetics issues, supply-and-demand challenges, and even environmental benefits are driving this demand. Seriously, better genetics can even help reduce greenhouse gas emissions!”
While most of these prized pigs were typically sent to South America and China, this year has brought a new destination to the mix: Vietnam (HAN & SGN).
Why Rickenbacker?
LCK is uniquely equipped for animal transport, making it a go-to hub for global livestock export shipments. Features include:
- A quiet, uncongested airport environment
- Strategically located within a one-day truck drive to half of the U.S.
- A USDA certified Export Inspection Facility (EIF) for live animals
- A highly experienced and specialized cargo handling team and a partnership with Baker Livestock & Horse Transport, a certified livestock ground handling agent
“It’s actually really interesting work,” Adam added. “It keeps us busy—and it’s a side of aviation most people don’t think about.” Of note, U.S. pork exports are expected to continue to grow, potentially surpassing chicken in export value in the coming decade.
Beyond pigs
While pigs are the headline, they aren’t the only animals to travel through Rickenbacker. Since LCK’s very first livestock export flight in 2015, 178 pregnant dairy cows bound for Bangkok, the airport has moved:
- 730 horses
- 295 goats and sheep
- a herd of 178 pregnant dairy cows
- and even one endangered rhinoceros
Learn more about Rickenbacker’s animal exports on our air freight webpage.