Jet Charter Company On The Rise

Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) continues to fly high in 2002 with aggressive international business and cargo airline development efforts; a new charter passenger terminal; and expansion of its Foreign Trade Zone.

The cargo-focused airport weathered the challenges posed by September 11 while continuing to have a strong impact on the greater Columbus economy In 2001, several companies set up operations at Rickenbacker and in the immediate area, while existing ones expanded--a testament that Rickenbacker's market position and excellent location works well for these companies and their customers.

The Rickenbacker Port Authority's own development efforts have also been strong, and include an important component for the airport's future--the Charter Passenger Terminal, which will open later this year. The 43,000-square-foot, two-gate facility will meet the demand for charter air service from Central Ohio to vacation destinations and entertainment venues, as well as for business and military flights.

Additional highlights of recent Rickenbacker activities include:

* Construction broke ground for the new 96-room AmeriHost Inn. The hotel is part of a new phase of development at Rickenbacker that includes the Charter Terminal, corporate airport hangars, a restaurant and offices.

* The Port Authority is currently filing an application to expand Foreign Trade Zone #138 throughout Central Ohio. The expansion will allow more companies to benefit from the FTZ by deferring duties on imports until items enter the U.S. market and avoiding all duties on re-exported goods.

* UPS and FedEx have both expanded at Rickenbacker. This spring UPS moved into 57,300 square feet of new space at the airport while FedEx's activities have been favorably impacted by the company's contract with the U.S. Postal Service. In 2001, FedEx's landings were up 15 percent, landed weight increased 21 percent and cargo was up 22 percent.

* Ohio logistics executives were presented with the advantages of moving goods through Rickenbacker International Airport during the highly successful Ohio Air Cargo Shipper's Forum in Columbus on June 7. The forum was sponsored by the Port Authority along with the Ohio Department of Development and the Greater Columbus Inland Port Commission Presenters included experts from the airline freight forwarding and shipping industries who offered insight and commentary on doing business at Rickenbacker.

* Rickenbacker officials traveled to Asia this spring to attend a major air cargo conference and to meet with representatives of several cargo airlines. Rickenbacker currently welcomes cargo aircraft coming from such Asian locations as Hong Kong, Jakarta (Indonesia), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Singapore.