Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways,and Trinity Logistics USA Inc. today announced the renewal of their partnership that will see the airline continuing to operate three weekly Boeing 777 Freighter services into Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) in Columbus, Ohio, on behalf of the New York based global logistics provider in a multi-year agreement.

Originally signed in June 2016, the extended partnership allows Trinity to continue to serve the high fashion industry for which it is most renowned, forwarding apparel from Colombo (Sri Lanka) and Hanoi (Vietnam), two of the world’s largest garment exporters, to Columbus Ohio in the United States.

In addition to these three weekly services, the partnership was further expanded to introduce an onward Etihad Cargo freighter connection between Rickenbacker Airport and East Midlands Airport (EMA), in the United Kingdom.

Abdulla Mohamed Shadid, Etihad Airways Managing Director Cargo and Logistics Services, said: “The long-term extension of our agreement with Trinity is an endorsement of the positive working relationship we enjoyed over the past years. It reaffirms Etihad’s commitment to fostering global logistics partnerships, and enhances our network by focusing on key successful trade lanes”.

Rickenbacker International Airport, one of the world’s few cargo-dedicated airports, is a growing hub for international trade thanks to its foreign-trade zone status. It provides an ideal gateway for importers and exporters, with approximately half of the United States, including the East Coast, California and Texas, and one-third of Canada’s populations within a one-day truck drive.

David Pereira, President Trinity Logistics, said: “We are happy to extend our agreement with a likeminded partner in Etihad. Our combined efforts to build a long term sustainable solution for our clients has proved to be a success.”

Etihad Cargo has recently refreshed its strategy, gearing its fleet and network towards key trade lanes that leverage Abu Dhabi’s strategic geographical location, as well as increasing focus on high yielding segments with products like FlightValet (automotive), FlyCulture (arts and music) and TempCheck (pharmaceutical).

“Our efficient fleet of Boeing 777 freighters makes partnerships such as this with Trinity possible”, added Shadid. “Together with the belly-hold capacity of our passenger jets that provide access to 93 destinations globally, and our continued investment in digital and physical infrastructure, Etihad Cargo’s strategy brings commercial and operational benefits to both our partners and the end consumer, and is a key element in Abu Dhabi’s aspiration to become a global logistics centre.”