US hub Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) in Ohio has welcomed its 500th passenger-freighter.
Rickenbacker’s first passenger-freighter arrived May 28, 2020 from Emirates SkyCargo. The airport now sees regular passenger-freighters from Emirates, Etihad Airways, Korean Airlines, Philippine Airlines and Qatar Airways.
“This innovative solution highlights the adaptability and ingenuity of the entire air cargo community, including our airline and freight forwarding partners, US Customs and Border Protection, and our amazing aircraft handling team at Rickenbacker,” said Joseph Nardone, President & CEO for the Columbus Regional Airport Authority.
Said Hiran Perera, Emirates Senior Vice President, Cargo Planning & Freighters: “Emirates would like to extend its heartiest congratulations to Rickenbacker Airport on its passenger-freighter milestone and we are delighted to have operated both the first and the 500th passenger-freighter flights to the airport.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of air cargo connectivity in delivering essential goods such as PPE rapidly to communities and Rickenbacker Airport has been a strategic partner for Emirates SkyCargo in North America. We are grateful to the entire team at LCK who have been extremely responsive and supportive of our requests over the last year.”
The increase in these types of flights has also required increased attention from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) partners. “CBP appreciates the strong partnership that we have with the Columbus Regional Airport Authority,” said Theodor Thomas, Port Director for CBP.
“I am extremely proud of the dedication and hard work of all of our local CBP Officers who have continued to process both International Flight Crew Members and cargo throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Their efforts have ensured that critical PPE has been made available to first responders and medical personnel throughout the region.”
It is estimated that more than one million boxes of consumer goods and manufacturing components have arrived at Rickenbacker aboard the 500 passenger-freighters before continuing their journey elsewhere. Rickenbacker is one of the world’s only cargo-focused airports, moving airfreight between planes and trucks faster than any other global gateway.
