Rickenbacker, logistics groups serving US pandemic demands
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic sweeps the nation, Rickenbacker International Airport and the local logistics community are poised to connect the healthcare industry with critically needed medical supplies.
Rickenbacker International Airport and its partners in the logistics industry are playing a key role in responding to demands for personal protective equipment (PPE), gloves, gowns, goggles, masks, hand sanitizer, ventilators and other desperately needed items in the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Airfreight forwarding companies are rallying to the cause by utilising their connections to bring PPE into the US. RCS Logistics, which normally ships fashion products, is now receiving three weekly flights of medical supplies out of Shanghai. Wen-Parker Logistics is coordinating additional weekly flights of PPE from Vietnam and Thailand.
As one of the world’s only cargo-dedicated airports, Rickenbacker supports the world’s largest aircraft, connecting importers and exporters to an extensive global network. Strategically located within a 10-hour drive of 47% of the US and one-third of Canadian populations, Rickenbacker offers a geographic advantage for shippers and distributors. The airport is part of a robust logistics ecosystem bringing air, ocean, and overland capabilities all into one geographically advantageous area serving the eastern half of the US.
“The logistics industry as a whole is robust and innovative, built to rise to these challenging times. Particularly here in the Columbus Region, we are collaborative with a can-do spirit that keeps goods moving,” said Joe Nardone, president & CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority.
“Getting much needed supplies to those on the front line, who are fighting this pandemic, is critical and we are honored to play a part in this important mission,” said Karla Hatley, president, North America for Wen-Parker Logistics.
“Rickenbacker Airport is an important national asset. It’s being put to good use to import critical supplies from around the world, to keep businesses and our communities running,” said Kenny McDonald, president and chief economic officer of One Columbus.
As the outbreak spread across the world, relief supplies have been flowing both ways. Initially supplies were sent to Asia. Now that parts of Asia are recovering, relief supplies are coming from Asia into the US.
