Cathay Pacific Cargo and Emirates SkyCargo have seen significant success by importing and exporting goods through Rickenbacker International Airport, and are extending freighter services by adding additional weekly frequencies to their existing schedules in October.
Columbus Regional Airport Authority operates the airport and president and chief executive officer, Elaine Roberts, says the gateway has experienced unprecedented growth over the last couple of years.
“These service expansions are great indicators that we are meeting the needs and expectations of businesses who import and export goods through Rickenbacker.
“The demand is here and we are grateful to our partners in the Columbus Region who have helped us cultivate relationships in the local and international business community, helping all of us become stronger and more successful. We’ll continue to work very closely with Cathay Pacific and Emirates to ensure first-class customer service,” Roberts says.
Cathay Pacific began scheduled international service between Rickenbacker and Hong Kong in 2014, and will add a fourth weekly frequency to Columbus beginning 13 October. This new Tuesday frequency is a seasonal addition through the end of the year.
Cathay Pacific cargo manager for the US Midwest, Bridget Bell, explains: “We have been very pleased with our operation at Rickenbacker International Airport and our customers have been happy with the speed and reliability of our import and export services through the Columbus region.
“With peak season approaching, this additional frequency will help to meet the increasing demand for our services. We expect both new and existing customers will take full advantage of this expansion in order to successfully move goods around the world on our extensive network.”
Emirates SkyCargo began offering a scheduled import service from Dubai four months ago and is adding a second frequency to its schedule beginning 3 October. Emirates plans to continue operating the new Saturday flight, which compliments their initial Wednesday frequency, even after peak season.
Emirates senior vice president for cargo planning for freighters, Hiran Perera, says: “When we began offering weekly import services from Dubai earlier this year, we knew there was potential for expansion rather quickly.
“Rickenbacker is one of the best run airports we have ever worked with and we do business with airports around the world. We are equally impressed by the business community in the Columbus region and we’d like to work together to formulate more strategic partnerships for mutual growth opportunities.”
