Rickenbacker International Airport says 2015 was a “significant success” driven by burgeoning international activity, but expects even greater things in 2016.
Airport operator Columbus Regional Airport Authority’s president and chief executive officer, Elaine Roberts hails the significant increases in cargo activity, a new international market and new facilities to accommodate growth, which will “only add to the impressive economic impact cargo and logistics already provides the region”.
“After years of laying the ground work necessary for Rickenbacker to become a true global gateway for shippers and logistics providers, we are beginning to yield the results we always knew were possible by working collaboratively in the Columbus Region,” Roberts adds.
The airport says successes led to a $1.67 million operating surplus in 2015, the first of its kind since operation was merged to become part of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, which also operates Port Columbus International Airport and Bolton Field.
To meet increasing demand for warehouse space, several community partners contributed funds to help build a new 100,000 square foot expandable air cargo terminal and related infrastructure.
This building will facilitate the efficient movement of air cargo between aircraft and trucks, will be ready for occupancy in the spring of 2016.
In 2015, Emirates SkyCargo started service from Dubai and increased its number of flights in October while Cathay Pacific Cargo increased services to Hong Kong. These two carriers, plus Cargolux Airlines, operate nine international flights a week.
Amazon also began building a one million square foot fulfillment centre while BASF began building its new facility – both in the CRAA operated Rickenbacker Global Logistics Park.
The airport began operating as a port of embarkation for livestock with shipments including goats, horses, an endangered rhino and others.
