Trinity Logistics USA has signed a multi-million dollar deal with Etihad Cargo, which will see the carrier operate a weekly widebody freighter service.
This will be operated from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport, in Sri Lanka to Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus, Ohio (US) and beyond to East Midlands Airport in the UK, on behalf of the New York-based, global freight forwarder.
Etihad Cargo operated several charter flights for Trinity Logistics over the summer, and the companies say the formalising of a long-term agreement is “testament to the success of the collaboration”.
Trinity Logistics is a renowned North American freight forwarder in the fashion industry, with a growing footprint throughout the US and Asia.
The Colombo–Columbus–East Midlands service has been introduced to facilitate the movement of the latest high fashion from Sri Lanka for big box retailers in the US and support the company’s US export growth to Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Etihad Cargo senior vice president, David Kerr says: “Through our partnership, Etihad Cargo and Trinity Logistics are committed to facilitating this important trade. The flexibility our freighter fleet affords us means we are well placed to serve the fashion industry which is so reliant on a responsive supply chain.”
Sri Lankan apparel exports exceeded $4.5 billion in 2015 according to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, representing 40 per cent of the country’s total exports. Victoria’s Secret, GAP, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Speedo and Abercrombie & Fitch are just some of the well-known brands whose garments are manufactured in Sri Lanka.
Trinity Logistics president, David Pereira says: “We select our global carrier partners based on their ability to understand the business of our clients. With Etihad Cargo, they not only displayed knowledge, but understood the value of creating a sustainable product to a very important cargo zip code in United States.
“We expect our clients to benefit greatly from this game changing solution that guarantees them speed and predictability.”
Columbus Regional Airport Authority’s (operator of Rickenbacker International Airport) president and chief executive officer, Elaine Roberts says: “Our sincere thanks to Trinity Logistics and Etihad Cargo for this new Columbus service. This new service strengthens Columbus’ connections to the world through premier partnerships with the air cargo industry.”
Etihad Cargo will operate its Boeing 777F and Boeing 747F aircraft, with maximum payloads of 103 tonnes and 140 tonnes respectively, on the route.