Etihad Cargo and Trinity Logistics USA are adding a second weekly Boeing 777 Freighter flight from Rickenbacker International Airport from 12 May, in a deal worth $40 million.

The new service will operate on a Colombo – Columbus – Abu Dhabi route to move fashion from Sri Lanka to retailers in the US and support US exports to Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Brands including Victoria’s Secret, GAP, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Speedo and Abercrombie & Fitch are some of the companies who manufacture products in the Indian sub-continent.

Etihad Cargo senior vice president, David Kerr says: “The shippers taking advantage of this route have come to expect a high level of service, speed and predictability in their supply chains.”

“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.”

Trinity Logistics president, David Pereira says: “Our long-term partnered service with Etihad has proven to be very successful with our clients.”

“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.”

Rickenbacker is operated by Columbus Regional Airport Authority, and chief executive officer, Elaine Roberts says: “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.”

“The partnership with Trinity and Etihad has proven to be very valuable and we couldn’t be happier to see it expand.”

The two companies started Colombo – Columbus – East Midlands – Abu Dhabi flights in 2016, and these will continue.