Posted March 9, 200520 yr From Columbus Business First, 3/7/05: Intermodal yard to receive federal funds Tony Goins Business First Congress' upcoming transportation funding bill includes $17.5 million to build an intermodal yard at Rickenbacker International Airport, airport officials said Tuesday. Congress plans to vote on the bill Wednesday. An intermodal yard is a place where cargo can be transferred between different modes of transportation such as trains, trucks and airplanes. Rickenbacker plans to put the intermodal yard on 300 acres on its south side. The airport hopes to break ground this summer and have the first phase open in early 2006. Rickenbacker is primarily known as a cargo airport, but it is also home to 13 industrial parks with more than 100 companies. The project is intended to make the airport a center for logistics, thus attracting companies and new jobs. Full story at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2005/03/07/daily14.html
March 11, 200520 yr Author The vote passed, and the House even added $4M to bring its total contribution to $21.5M. They plan to break ground this summer and open Phase I in early 2006.
July 20, 200519 yr Author From Columbus Business First, 7/18/05: Rickenbacker to start intermodal project Rickenbacker International Airport will break ground Monday on an intermodal yard, a project area officials say will drive economic development for decades. Rickenbacker officials are hoping the yard will attract shipping and manufacturing companies, according to a Tuesday press release. They estimate the yard could create more than 20,000 new jobs and $15.1 billion in economic impact over 30 years. Rickenbacker said the 300-acre facility will eventually cost $100 million. Railway operator Norfolk Southern Corp. committed $25 million to the project, and Congress allocated another $17 million in a federal transportation bill. The airport will also seek funding from state and local governments. Full story at http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2005/07/18/daily8.html?from_rss=1
July 27, 200519 yr From the Columbus Business First State grant to aid intermodal yard The state of Ohio issued a $250,000 grant Tuesday to aid development near an intermodal shipping yard being constructed at Rickenbacker International Airport. The grant goes to Pickaway County, which is constructing a $5.1 million sanitary sewer to serve companies at the intermodal yard. The state also allocated $1 million in roadwork grants to extend Alum Creek Drive to the yard. Rickenbacker broke ground on the intermodal yard on Monday. Full story at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2005/07/25/daily14.html?jst=b_ln_hl
July 27, 200519 yr Very impressive. Especially that NS is kicking in $$$ as that seems to say there is a good buisness case for this.
July 28, 200519 yr This project should definitely help solidify Rickenbacker's position as a logistics superhub. Several large companies already maintain massive industrial warehouses around the airport and several more are under construction. Critical-time shipper AirNet recently relocated to the airport and Evergreen Airlines has established regional operations at Rickenbacker, adding flights to the Far East. The intermodel yard will bring air, rail, and truck together in one place. Now all we need is a deep sea port and we'd be all set. ;-)
July 29, 200519 yr Author They used to show this economic development-type program on Columbus public access about Rickenbacker. It was a few years ago, but all of the stuff they showed was just impressive.
July 31, 200519 yr Author From the 7/29/05 Columbus Business First: Rickenbacker expansion may get federal boost The House of Representatives passed a transportation act Friday morning that includes significant funding for upgrading the infrastructure at Rickenbacker International Airport's incoming intermodal yard, a multimillion dollar project aimed at making Central Ohio a logistical hub. The bill now goes to the Senate for confirmation. The Rickenbacker yard is part of the government's Heartland Corridor project, a plan to upgrade the shipping corridor between Columbus and the deep-water port of Norfolk, Va. The plan will widen roads and bridges along the route to accommodate trains with double stacks of cargo, according to a press release from Rep. Deborah Pryce, R-Upper Arlington. Full story at http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2005/07/25/daily39.html?from_rss=1
August 1, 200519 yr Author From the 7/25/05 Columbus Business First: Rail-truck facility gets on track for mid-2006 opening Brian R. Ball Business First Construction is getting under way on the first phase of a rail-to-truck loading facility near Rickenbacker International Airport, a project that officials hope will become a major economic development engine over the next 30 years. Norfolk Southern Corp. has given the all-clear signal for the first $29.5 million phase of its intermodal facility in Pickaway County's Harrison Township. Government officials and business leaders will join the Columbus Regional Airport Authority and railroad executives July 25 to break ground for the facility, designed to more than triple Norfolk Southern's capacity to move freight packed in truck trailers through the region on its rail network. Economic development officials say the intermodal yard could create tens of thousands of jobs during the next three decades, as the growth of distribution centers north of Rickenbacker airport begins to shift to the southwestern edge of the airport. Road construction, extending utility lines and other related projects will cost an additional $19.5 million during the next year. That will be followed by $20 million worth of projects through 2011 as the intermodal yard's second phase is completed. Full story at http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2005/07/25/story7.html?from_rss=1
August 2, 200519 yr Author From ThisWeek Newspapers, 7/28/05: Columbus Regional Airport Authority Ground broken for Intermodal on July 25 20,000 new jobs, $15.1-billion economic impact expected over 30 years Thursday, July 28, 2005 By MARK A. CLAFFEY ThisWeek Staff Writer The Columbus Regional Airport Authority broke ground July 25 at Rickenbacker Airport on a new intermodal facility that could bring more than 20,000 new jobs and $15.1-billion in economic impact to the region in the next 30 years. "The intermodal facility, which is expected to be operational in 2006, will be used for the interchange of containers with all types of consumer and industrial products, between trains and trucks," said Elaine Roberts, chief executive of the CRAA, which consists of Port Columbus, Rickenbacker and Bolton Field. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/thisweek.php?edition=Reynoldsburg&story=thisweeknews/072805/Reynoldsburg/News/072805-News-625460.html
December 6, 200519 yr Columbus, Pickaway County agree on Rickenbacker development Business First of Columbus - 4:16 PM EST Monday Officials in Columbus and Pickaway County unveiled an agreement Monday to prepare for what they hope will be thousands of new jobs. The 50-year agreement creates a joint economic development district to manage development near a planned intermodal hub at Rickenbacker International Airport. The agreement spells out which entities will provide infrastructure such as roadways and water for companies locating near the yard. The district covers 9,000 acres. Officials hope the yard will attract more shipping companies, turning the 9,000-acre tract of land into an advanced logistics hub. Columbus planners estimate the area could support 120 million square feet of development and create 37,000 new jobs. The agreement will make life simpler for businesses locating in the area, said Ty Marsh, president and CEO of the Columbus Chamber. Companies should face one set of rules, rather than negotiating with several different government entities. Full story at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2005/12/05/daily5.html?page=1
December 6, 200519 yr I'm glad to see Columbus finding thier niche in the US economy. A city that is less than 500 miles away from 50% of the US population should be one of the biggest hubs in the country.
December 13, 200519 yr Warehouse project will be largest in central Ohio By Mike Pramik The Columbus Dispatch Monday, December 12, 2005 The Columbus Regional Airport Authority has teamed with two Columbus area developers to build a $750 million industrial park near Rickenbacker International Airport that would be the biggest warehouse project ever in central Ohio. Rickenbacker Global Logistics Park will consist of four campuses that will cover at least 1,200 acres in the Rickenbacker area. It will offer about 20 million square feet of warehouse space when built out over the next 15 years. Full story at http://dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=153490&chck=t
December 21, 200519 yr Hooters cuts service to Myrtle Beach Airline says it will resume Rickenbacker flights in March Wednesday, December 21, 2005 Paul Wilson THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Hooters Air has cut all flights from Rickenbacker Airport to Myrtle Beach, S.C., until March as part of seasonal cutbacks that will include grounding more flights next month. Beginning Jan. 9, Hooters flights to St. Petersburg, Fla., and Gary, Ind., also will be suspended until March. "It’s a low-demand time," said David Whitaker, vice president of business development for the airport. "We have every reason to believe they (Hooters) will come back." Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/business-story.php?story=dispatch/2005/12/21/20051221-D1-03.html
December 29, 200519 yr Author From ThisWeek South Side, 12/18/05: Global Logistics Park to fill 1,200 acres CSSO president hopes more development will follow Sunday, December 18, 2005 By RANDY NAVAROLI ThisWeek Staff Writer The president of the Council of South Side Organizations said Thursday his group hopes continued development at Rickenbacker International Airport will "foster more growth and productivity" in nearby neighborhoods. The Columbus Regional Airport Authority and two area developers announced last week that they will build the largest warehouse complex in central Ohio near Rickenbacker. Officials from the Regional Airport Authority, Duke Realty Corp. and Columbus-based Capitol Square Ltd. announced the joint effort Dec. 12. The $750-million Rickenbacker Global Logistics Park will occupy 1,200 acres spread across four sites and offer close to 20-million square feet of warehouse space when competed. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/thisweek.php?edition=South&story=thisweeknews/121805/South/News/121805-News-67525.html
January 2, 200619 yr Rickenbacker deal signed COLUMBUS DISPATCH Jan. 2, 2006 The Columbus Regional Airport Authority has completed a land-use agreement with Norfolk Southern Corp. for the new intermodal hub near Rickenbacker Airport. The 30-year pact with the railroad company has provisions for a future land swap, airport authority spokesman David Whitaker said. Norfolk Southern and the airport authority jointly own 300 acres that are being turned into a hub to move goods by rail, truck and air. Full story at http://dispatch.com/business-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/01/02/20060102-E8-00.html
March 21, 200619 yr Hooters flights unlikely to return Relationship with Rickenbacker, Columbus appears to be over Tuesday, March 21, 2006 Paul Wilson THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH The future of Hooters Air in Columbus looks bleak. More than three months after "seasonal adjusments" halted service from Columbus and other cities until March, Hooters flights have not resumed at Rickenbacker Airport. Some other airports have publicly doubted the airline’s return, and Hooters officials have not returned calls from Rickenbacker. Meanwhile, customers can’t buy tickets to or from Columbus, and Rickenbacker no longer appears on Hooters’ Web site among a list of airports the company serves. Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/business-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/03/21/20060321-C1-01.html
March 21, 200619 yr Hooters Air's decision not to return to LCK has been known among aviation circles for some time now. The airline also will not be returning to RFD, BWI, PIT, NAS, or LAS. The mere existance of the airline itself is in question. I completely agree with Mr. Boyd that it was fun while it lasted, but now may be the time to pull the plug on Hooters Air.
May 5, 200619 yr The Ohio Rail Development Commission today approved the spending of Ohio's share ($836,000) of the $90-million dollar Heartland Corridor Project: A Columbus (Rickenbacker Intermodal Hub) to Norfolk, Virginia high speed, double-stack container freight line. The bulk of the dollars in Ohio will go toward correcting some clearance problems near Portsmouth, where the Norfolk Southern Railroad crosses the Ohio River. The majority of the overall federal dollars ($90-million) will go toward "re-notching" well over 20 tunnels in the mountains of West Virgina to accomodate the height of the double-stack container railcars. This ties in to the already under-construction Rickenbacker Intermodal Hub just south of Columbus.
May 26, 200619 yr Author From the 5/25/06 Dispatch: Rickenbacker area may gain business Exel nearing deal for distributorship Thursday, May 25, 2006 Mike Pramik THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH The first tenant of a planned $750 million industrial park near Rickenbacker Airport is about to surface. Logistics company Exel Inc. is working on a deal to set up a distributorship for an unnamed customer inside a 573,000-square-foot warehouse at 2829 Rohr Rd. in Groveport. Exel’s $7 million investment would christen the planned 1,200-acre Rickenbacker Global Logistics Park, which the Columbus Regional Airport Authority is developing along with Duke Realty Corp. and Capitol Square Ltd., a subsidiary of The Dispatch Printing Company, publisher of The Dispatch. Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/business-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/05/25/20060525-D1-02.html
July 20, 200618 yr Author From the 7/20/06 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Massive construction project coming Rickenbacker addition the largest central Ohio project in two decades By TAMARIA L. KULEMEKA The Eagle-Gazette Staff [email protected] FAIRFIELD COUNTY - One of the largest construction projects to hit the central Ohio region in 20 years is happening at Rickenbacker International Airport, and local contractors are encouraged to put in their bids. Bidding for the Rickenbacker Intermodal Facility will close at 2 p.m. Aug. 11. The facility will expand shipping and economic opportunities in the area, in addition to creating jobs, said Angie Tabor, manager of communications for the Columbus Regional Port Authority. Project work consists of excavation, storm sewer, and concrete and asphalt paving. In addition to the Intermodal facility, another major project is underway at Rickenbacker. The Rickenbacker Global Logistics Park will be made up of four campuses and as many as 30 buildings. Infrastructure work already has begun at the site, which will house companies that want to be near the Intermodal facility. The projects will compliment one another, Tabor said. For more information: * Visit www.columbusairports.com for more information about construction projects at Rickenbacker International Airport. Click on Construction & Development, or Doing Business with CRAA. Full story at http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060720/NEWS01/607200325/1002/rss01
August 14, 200618 yr http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2006/08/07/daily29.html Magazine ranks Rickenbacker among fastest growing cargo airports Business First of Columbus - August 11, 2006 In the world of moving air cargo, Columbus' Rickenbacker International Airport is in the same category as Malaysia's Subang Airport and Nigeria's Lagos Airport. Air Cargo World magazine rated Rickenbacker as the 17th fastest growing airport for shipping freight in its July issue. The magazine reported that Rickenbacker experienced a 15.3 percent increase in 2005 over 2004, moving 112,888 tons of cargo. Malaysia's airport experienced the most growth with a 98.9 percent surge in cargo moved in 2005 with 53,053 tons moved, with Nigeria in second place with a 47.4 percent increase with 97,368 tons transported.
August 14, 200618 yr i'm not surprised. that airport is a real jewel in the rough. i remember when there was a lot of talk about making it another passenger airport, but i have to hand it to the city as the decision to stay focused on cargo & distribution has been a great move. it's only going to get bigger and more productive.
August 29, 200618 yr Nickolas Savko lands $30M contract for intermodal yard Business First of Columbus - 5:26 PM EDT Tuesday The Columbus Regional Airport Authority approved a $30 million contract Tuesday to Nickolas Savko & Sons Inc. to build Norfolk Southern Corp.'s intermodal terminal at Rickenbacker International Airport. Construction of the 175-acre intermodal rail yard, which would transfer shipping containers from freight trains to semi-truck trailers, is expected to begin next month and be complete in early 2008. "The new intermodal facility will be a critical component of the logistics infrastructure in the Rickenbacker area," Elaine Roberts, president and CEO of the airport authority, said in a release. Most of the funding comes from a Federal Highway Administration grant for $27.7 million, while Norfolk Southern will fund the rest. The entire project is expected to cost $62.7 million. Full story at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2006/08/28/daily14.html
August 29, 200618 yr Author From Business First of Columbus, 8/25/06: Norfolk Southern intermodal back on track $63M rail project poised to start in earnest Business First of Columbus - August 25, 2006 by Adrian Burns, Business First Work on a major Central Ohio logistics complex could soon begin, 14 months after the $63 million project was started with the turning of a ceremonial shovelful of dirt only to see its development sit idle. The Columbus Regional Airport Authority is ready to authorize a $30 million contract to start construction next month on Norfolk Southern Corp.'s long-awaited intermodal rail yard at Rickenbacker International Airport. The sooner work starts, the sooner Norfolk Southern can expand its ability to transfer shipping containers between rail cars and tractor-trailer trucks, said Norfolk Southern spokesman Bill Harris. "It's none too soon. Every day that intermodal yard is not built, shippers in Central Ohio are spending more money than they otherwise might for transport," he said. Full story at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2006/08/28/story2.html?b=1156737600^1336450
September 22, 200618 yr Forward Air Completes Major Expansion of Primary Hub in Columbus Thursday September 21, 9:00 am ET Company's Largest LTL Sort Center Doubled in Size and Engineered for Future Growth GREENEVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 21, 2006--Forward Air, Inc. expanded its main sorting center at Rickenbacker Airport in Groveport, Ohio this month, creating the largest ground transportation facility solely dedicated to moving expedited LTL cargo for freight forwarders and airlines in the United States. At 125,000 square feet with 168 trailer doors, this premier facility on the near south side of Columbus can unload, sort and load upwards of 3.7 million pounds in five hours. In addition to the expansion, Forward Air process-engineered the freight sorting in the building to improve handling efficiencies. The benefits will include reductions in the distance each shipment moves in the building to speed up the transfer process, less handling of freight to further improve service integrity and flexibility to operate multiple sorts at the same time. Forward Air employs over 350 personnel in the Columbus area at these facilities. Full story at http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/060921/20060921005098.html?.v=1
October 1, 200618 yr Trains will bring jobs to Ohio Rail improvements will put Columbus in cargo’s path Sunday, October 01, 2006 Paul Wilson THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Central Ohio’s already strong reputation as a distribution hub — or a place where goods are stored, sorted and then shipped around the globe — is primed for a big boost. Two major projects are converging to make it happen: • An improved train route that will allow double-stacked train cars puts Columbus in the middle of an important line that runs from Norfolk, Va., to Chicago. • An expanded transcargo coming through central Ohio is expected to double. Both projects are representative of a national trend that will create thousands of new jobs in the Columbus area. Clogged highways, volatile fuel prices, a lack of truck drivers and increasing international trade will cause more freight to be moved by rail in the coming years. "For the last decade … we have been talking about making Rickenbacker an inland port," said Rep. Deborah Pryce, R-Upper Arlington. Full story at http://dispatch.com/business-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/10/01/20061001-B1-03.html Link to map & Graphics: http://dispatch.com/business-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/10/01/20061001-B1-00.html GRAPHIC: By the numbers
January 1, 200718 yr Author From the 12/3/06 Dispatch: PHOTO: Rickenbacker Airport could host the construction and launch of spacecraft such as this, seen at an event in Chicago. CANADIAN ARROW Space tourists may start trip here Chicago firm considers making, launching craft at Rickenbacker Sunday, December 03, 2006 Marla Matzer Rose THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Forget science fiction. Space tourists could be flying from Rickenbacker Airport if a Chicago company picks Columbus for its primary U.S. operations. PlanetSpace is looking at the airport as a location for launches of space-shuttlelike craft by as soon as late 2008, as well as a place to build spacecraft. Read more at: http://www.dispatch.com/business-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/03/20061203-E1-00.html
January 1, 200718 yr Author From the 12/27/06 Dispatch: RICKENBACKER AND SPACE TOURISM PlanetSpace considers Ohio site Wednesday, December 27, 2006 Marla Matzer Rose THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Launching into outer space from Columbus is another step closer to reality. The state of Ohio has made a preliminary incentive offer to space-tourism firm Planet-Space. The company, with operations in Chicago and Nova Scotia, proposes to manufacture and launch spacecraft from the Rickenbacker Airport area for the entertainment of customers paying about $200,000 a pop. Read more at: http://www.dispatch.com/business-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/27/20061227-D1-03.html
January 1, 200718 yr Hmmm.... I wouldn't think Ohio would make a very good location because of the long periods of cloud cover throughout the year. Think Ravenna Arsenal. Have they figured out a way to launch stuff into space through cloud cover??
January 1, 200718 yr This just seems silly to me, but then years from now, I might look as stupid as the guy who said the railroads were a waste of money.
January 1, 200718 yr Ya, uhmmm, I am thinking this is a really stupid stupid idea. Why Columbus? Cape Canavral, where The US Military and NASA launch rockets and shuttles into orbit is located along the coast in isolation. In the event of an emergency, things can land in the ocean. Even without an emergencey, the ocean is used for the safe return and retrieval of the rocket boosters to the shuttle. Either way, this is all done in isolation so that, again in the event of an emergency, which has and will happen again, no homes or businesses have the chance to be affected because they are no-where near buy. Also, I am a little disturbed by this because the state and the city or going goo-goo ga-ga over this when so little people will positively reap the benefits of such an expensive project. I mean it would be cool if we could send people half-way around the world in 30 minutes, but honestly, how many people could really afford to do that often enough to make this feasable? I mean, I don't even know if it something that can be done yet and if it something that needs a lot of testing still, I really don't want that to be done near my house! OH MY GOD I AM BECOMING A NIMBY! Well, maybe this is more warented? I mean, getting things into space takes a lot of explosives and everything that involves the manufacturing of materials for launching a shttle are done in isolation (well atleast the fuel for the rocket boosters are, I believe in some desert in Utah). Now the benefits, if this all works without a hitch would be awesome only for the sake of further stregnthening our argument that we were truely the first in flight! Take that North Carolina! :-P But seriously, is such a thing worth the risk? Or am I just worrying too much?
January 1, 200718 yr Quit being such a NIMBY. Your homeowners insurance should cover you in the event of rocket booster damage.
January 1, 200718 yr I believe (I am not up on all the latest in rocket tech) that there are projects in the works that eliminate the need for the large boosters. From what I've read, this consumer version of space travel will incorporate this new technology. I believe it involves the space craft actually taking off from another airplane.
January 4, 200718 yr Even without an emergencey, the ocean is used for the safe return and retrieval of the rocket boosters to the shuttle. Either way, this is all done in isolation so that, again in the event of an emergency, which has and will happen again, no homes or businesses have the chance to be affected because they are no-where near buy. Look around the airfield. There's something like a 1-to-1 golf course-to-resident ratio. And so there's a space disaster: we lose Canal Winchester or Groveport or Obetz. These are sacrifices I'm willing to make.
January 21, 200718 yr LOCKBOURNE’S LEAP Village plans annexation to grab share of Rickenbacker bonanza — if Columbus goes along Sunday, January 21, 2007 Debbie Gebolys THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Little Lockbourne is fighting for its life. Fewer than 300 people live just north of Pickaway County line in the village on Big Walnut Creek. It’s a town whose best days ended a century ago when the Ohio & Erie Canal was abandoned. Village leaders want to create a new heyday for the community of retirees and people of modest means. They want Lockbourne to annex about 600 acres and balloon to nearly 10 times its size. Full story at http://dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/21/20070121-A1-01.html
April 19, 200718 yr Author Link contains photos. From the 1/28/07 Dispatch: * GRAPHIC: Spaceports in the works Ohio joins other states in considering whether to back private spaceport Sunday, January 28, 2007 Marla Matzer Rose THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH David Whitaker?s job is to attract more air service to Columbus, hoping to land flights to destinations such as San Diego, Seattle and Kansas City. But outer space? Whitaker recently briefed board members who oversee the Port Columbus and Rickenbacker airports about ongoing discussions to lure PlanetSpace, a Chicago company that is looking to offer customers 20-minute joyrides into space for $200,000 a pop. Read more at: http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/01/28/20070128-G1-00.html
April 19, 200718 yr Author From the 2/3/07 Dispatch: PlanetSpace gets NASA deal Ohio officials want space-tourism company to set up operations at Rickenbacker Saturday, February 03, 2007 Marla Matzer Rose THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH A Chicago space-tourism company that might locate operations in Columbus has signed a deal with NASA to help the agency develop space shuttle-type aircraft. More at: http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/02/03/20070203-C1-00.html
April 19, 200718 yr Author From the 4/7/07 Dispatch: NEW MEXICO Voters set stage for tourism spaceport Saturday, April 07, 2007 FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Voters in a southern New Mexico county approved a tax to raise an estimated $49 million toward a $198 million tourism spaceport, according to unofficial returns Thursday. Read more at: http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/04/07/20070407-C2-01.html
April 21, 200718 yr Author From Business First of Columbus, 1/29/07: Cabot pushing million-square-foot spec warehouse Business First of Columbus - January 26, 2007 by Brian R. Ball Business First A real estate investor from Boston tentatively plans to build a 1 million-square-foot distribution center near Rickenbacker International Airport as developers continue to seek ways to lower construction costs and accommodate ever-larger tenants. Cabot Properties Inc. is seeking variances from Groveport to allow construction of the building, but it hasn't committed to the project. "We're getting ourselves ready to do our next project," said Dax Hudson, the Ruscilli Real Estate Services Inc. agent representing Cabot. "Right now, a million-square-foot building is getting designed." Full story at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2007/01/29/story4.html
September 2, 200717 yr Less cargo going through air base Downturn seen as a reflection of the economy Sunday, September 2, 2007 3:47 AM By Marla Matzer Rose and Mike Pramik THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Rickenbacker Airport often is hailed as the poster child for central Ohio's best chance for future economic growth. Distribution centers and roads are being built around the former Air Force base in south-central Franklin County. Industries such as auto-parts manufacturers are being courted as some of the bigger customers for a Rickenbacker shipping hub that combines air, truck and rail and is in line for a more than $60 million expansion. But a look at recent numbers shows that cargo shipments, an important barometer for the distribution industry, are down nearly 11 percent at Rickenbacker for the first seven months of the year. http://dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2007/09/02/air_cargo.ART_ART_09-02-07_D1_6N7PFFS.html?sid=101
January 20, 200817 yr Rickenbacker airport Tour group wants to fly directly to Ireland Saturday, January 19, 2008 3:02 AM By Marla Matzer Rose THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Direct flights to Shannon, Ireland, from Columbus' Rickenbacker Airport are in the works for this summer. A Maryland tour operator is working to offer the so-called Shamrock Express flights. Roundtrip tickets would be an estimated $799, and packages including air and weeklong bus tours of Ireland would be about $1,399 per person. Kenny Tours, an 18-year-old company based in Salisbury, Md., is awaiting the U.S. Department of Transportation's OK to operate the flights from June 27 through Sept. 1, a company representative said yesterday. Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/01/19/LCK_IRELAND.ART_ART_01-19-08_C12_LU93O8K.html?sid=101
January 21, 200817 yr CMH is too big for what they need. Lots of empty and underutilized square footage at that place.
January 21, 200817 yr I've never understood why they built a passenger terminal at Rickenbacker. The short story is that Rickenbacker used to be owned and operated by a separate governing authority. In an effort to increase funding and become more self reliant, the authority decided to construct a passenger terminal. The city and the then Columbus Airport Authority saw the plan as a conflict of interest, and developed plans to merge the Rickenbacker Port Authority and the Columbus Airport Authority. However the Rickenbacker leadership already approved and began construction of the terminal before the merger was approved and took place. Now the CRAA markets it mainly as a charter terminal. CMH is too big for what they need. Lots of empty and underutilized square footage at that place. Empty and underutilized square footage? I would beg to differ. There are 8 gates in the 3-concourse terminal that go unleased, however of those 8, 5 of them are used on a fee-per-usage basis, that is to say that airlines use them, but don't lease them outright. As far as the terminal's square footage, the airport has also converted a lot of space into retail and concession use, adding a Starbucks in each concourse, a massage bar, a beverage bar, a natural food market, 2 CNBC News stores, and several other renovations and expansions on the way. All in all, the terminal situation at CMH is pretty good.
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