Ground crew member operates an electric cargo loader to move a wooden crate toward an aircraft’s cargo hold. The plane’s side cargo door is open with equipment extended.

Oink on the move: Rickenbacker tops nation in swine exports

Premium pigs take flight from LCK At the end of 2023, Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) topped the ranks at #1 in the nation for swine exports—and 2025 is already shaping up to be another busy year. So far, the airport has sent out multiple flights carrying nearly 3,000 pigs, with more exports anticipated later this fall. But these aren’t your average farm pigs. “These are premium genetic livestock from PIC—the

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Joe Nardone, CRAA Leadership Team

CRAA President & CEO announces retirement following major milestone in terminal project

COLUMBUS, OH – Joseph R. Nardone, President & CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA), today announced that after eight years of transformative leadership and with Board of Directors’ approval of the final bid package for new terminal construction earlier this week, he will retire. “Following our busiest year ever and with a strong, experienced leadership team in place, I’m confident the future is bright for CRAA and the

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Jerrie Mock posing in front of Spirit of Columbus red and white plane. first round-the-world solo at Port Columbus

Women who soared: Celebrating aviation pioneers in Columbus

Throughout history, women have broken barriers and defied expectations to leave their mark on aviation. From fearless pilots to trailblazing air traffic controllers, their contributions have shaped the industry and inspired generations to take flight. We celebrate the remarkable women who soared from Columbus, making aviation history right from our runways. Helen Venskus Helen Venskus was a pioneer in aviation long before she took her place in the control tower

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Close-up of a Columbus Regional Airport Authority police uniform shoulder patch.

Airport Police officers recognized for their heroism

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Regional Airport Authority President & CEO Joseph R. Nardone recognized two Airport Police officers for their heroic, life-saving actions. “I am incredibly proud to recognize Officers Tyler Starling and Freedom Chrisman for their heroic actions that saved two lives at John Glenn International,” said Nardone. “Their quick thinking and decisive responses exemplify the dedication of our entire Public Safety team to protect the health and safety

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A large snow plow machine with areas for a broom to connect in the middle rides along the taxiway in Columbus, Ohio as a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 comes in to land overhead.

Airport “Snow Dogs” preparing for winter weather

COLUMBUS, Ohio — With the season’s first weather event predicted for later this week, rest assured that the Columbus Regional Airport Authority’s “Snow Dogs” are on the prowl, practicing and preparing for winter weather this season. Fact sheet: Major equipment used in snow removal The Airfield Maintenance teams at John Glenn Columbus International Airport and Rickenbacker International Airport are responsible for removing the snow and ice to keep air traffic

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View of a sunny day at Rickenbacker International Airport featuring the control tower, surrounding buildings, lush greenery, and a drone flying overhead.

Pioneering the future: Rickenbacker International Airport’s role in FAA’s drone detection and mitigation research

As technology advances, drones or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are increasingly sharing the skies with traditional aircraft. Ensuring safety remains paramount. Congress tasked the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to create the groundbreaking Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Detection and Mitigation Research Program to shape guidance for airports and ensure drones don’t cause harm or interference to the FAA’s National Airspace System. Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) stepped up to the challenge and

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Graphic. Busiest week ever. 196,000 estimated passengers. Airplane flies to the right, pulling the blue background like a banner.

Columbus breaks two passenger records ahead of new summer flights

COLUMBUS, OH — Coming off the heels of the busiest February in Columbus’ air travel history, last week marked the busiest travel week on record. An estimated 196,000 passengers traveled through John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) and the Rickenbacker Passenger Terminal the week of March 18, breaking the previous record set the week of July 15, 2019. Additionally, during the month of February, a record 629,621 passengers traveled through

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