Emirates SkyCargo's DWC base is on target

Upon completion of the first phase, followed by the installation of the cargo handling system and the fitment of the interior by April next year and full completion by mid-September, the terminal will be equipped to handle 700,000 tonnes of cargo and can be further expanded by an additional 300,000 tonnes in the second phase.
The state-of-the-art cargo terminal will feature a fully automated ULD handling and storage system, offices; workstation areas; building service facilities; modern communication and security systems; canteens; and other amenities. The infrastructure will also include 46 truck docks and 80 truck parking spaces, in addition to 12 aircraft stands directly in front of the terminal.

Khalifa Al Zaffin, executive chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said: “Dubai World Central including the several specialised districts and Al Maktoum International Airport provide a genuinely conducive environment for major regional and global airlines and air cargo companies to accelerate their growth strategies and consolidate their market position. With DWC set to become the home of Emirates SkyCargo’s freighter operations from next year, the company can expect to benefit significantly from the state-of-the-art infrastructure and unique strategic advantages offered by DWC.”

Nabil Sultan, Emirates divisional senior vice president, cargo, said: “The development of our new freighter cargo terminal is progressing well. Once complete, it will be a modern and efficient cargo facility that can be expanded to meet our future growth requirements. The relocation of our freighter fleet to Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International Airport is an investment in our future, as the logistics and cargo development at the airport is set to become a major global cargo hub once complete, with world-class facilities and infrastructure.”

Emirates SkyCargo currently operates a freighter fleet of ten aircraft - eight Boeing 777Fs and two Boeing 747-400ERFs – all of which will move to Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International Airport. Dedicated road feeder services between Dubai International Airport and AMIA for connecting cargoes will be introduced to maintain the existing transshipment times between freighters to the passenger fleet and vice versa. Operations at the new cargo terminal will commence in April 2014 with about 250 staff, which will gradually increase to 500 staff when it is fully operational.