After an immensely successful partnership moving both imports and exports via weekly wide-body freighter service to Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus, Ohio, Trinity Logistics USA and Etihad Cargo signed a new agreement valued at $40 million that adds a second weekly flight that began May 12.

The routing for the new service is Colombo–Columbus–Abu Dhabi, while the first service will continue to operate on the route Colombo–Columbus–East Midlands–Abu Dhabi. The increased capacity was introduced to facilitate the movement of the latest high fashion from Sri Lanka for retailers in the US and to support the US export growth to Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Victoria’s Secret, GAP, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Speedo, and Abercrombie & Fitch are some of the brands whose products are manufactured in the Indian sub-continent.

According to David Kerr, Senior Vice President Etihad Cargo, two new major customers have been secured for the second frequency and their business will make a significant impact on the export side of the business.

“The shippers taking advantage of this route have come to expect a high level of service, speed and predictability in their supply chains,” said Kerr. “We understand the unique needs of our clients and we are committed to being responsive and flexible as we continue to work together to exceed expectations. We place great value in our strong partnership with Trinity as we continue to build out for the future.”

“Our long-term partnered service with Etihad has proven to be very successful with our clients,” said David Pereira, president of Trinity Logistics. “Expanding the contract is a fundamental step toward our commitment to provide best in class service options for our clients and development of our East Coast hub at LCK.”

“Central Ohio and the surrounding region is truly a hub for the logistics industry, making Rickenbacker an ideal global gateway for both imports and exports,” said Elaine Roberts, President & CEO of Columbus Regional Airport Authority which operates Rickenbacker. “The partnership with Trinity and Etihad has proven to be very valuable and we couldn’t be happier to see it expand.”

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Cargo, which operates Boeing 777F aircraft on the route, began weekly flights with New York-based Trinity Logistics in the summer of 2016.

Rickenbacker International Airport, located in southeast Columbus, Ohio, is one of the world’s few cargo-dedicated airports.