Emirates SkyCargo to truck operations between Dubai International and DWC

The five year contract will see Allied Transport provide road feeder services between Dubai International (DXB) and DWC for Emirates SkyCargo, including the operation of up to a fleet of 45 trucks in the first year.  

Starting May 1, Emirates SkyCargo freighters will call Al Maktoum International Airport their new home. The freighters will be handled exclusively from DWC while passenger fleet belly cargo operations will continue to operate from Dubai International Airport. Therefore, the trucking of cargo between the two airports will form a critical part of the new Emirates SkyCargo operation. Dedicated road feeder services between DXB and DWC for connecting cargo will be introduced to maintain the minimum possible transhipment times between freighters and the passenger fleet.   

For this year Emirates SkyCargo expects to have approximately ten trucks per hour running between DWC and DXB during peak times, with frequency to increase over the coming years.  The cargo will be moved via purpose-built truck docks at both airports to achieve quick turn-around.

“Emirates SkyCargo’s terminal at DWC, the new home of our entire freighter fleet, is a global cargo terminal with world-class facilities. The development progress is well on track and we are ready to start operations soon,” said Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo.

“Our freighter fleet today already accounts for 35% of Emirates SkyCargo’s revenue and the new terminal is at the core of our growth plans.  Looking at the bigger picture, the new infrastructure also has a positive multiplier impact on Dubai as it will create a cargo corridor that connects the Jebel Ali port, DWC and Dubai International Airport,” he added.

Upon full completion, the terminal will be equipped to handle 700,000 tonnes per year, with the potential for further expansion to reach 1 million tonnes. The new Emirates SkyCargo terminal will feature state-of-the-art technology, including a fully automated material handling system which is one of the world’s first to have an automated Unit Load Device (ULD) that enables quick transfer of 6 ULDs simultaneously.  In addition, an automated pallet handling system, advanced storage system, offices, workstation areas, modern communication and security systems, canteens, and other amenities will be installed. The terminal infrastructure also includes 46 truck docks and 80 truck parking spaces, in addition to 12 aircraft stands directly in front of the terminal. 

Analyst Saj Ahmad commented: “Emirates Skycargo is keen to take advantage of the logistics capabilities at the ever-growing Al Maktoum International Airport and it makes sense that they have a foothold at both Dubai airports to both de-risk and expand their passenger and freighter operations.

“The development of the road network between Dubai Airport and Al-Maktoum International Airport has had heavy investment and Emirates' deal with Allied Transport to provide road services between the two airports will provide an integral link as well as competitive advantage versus other operators at the new airport who may not have the same capacity to expand their air/road logistics and transshipment capabilities.”

Ahmad added: “Equally, the proximity of one of the world's busiest shipping ports at Jebel Ali, strategically located near Abu Dhabi too, Emirates Skycargo will exponentially increase its freight hauling business, despite the fact that the wider air cargo market has been under duress for the better part of a decade - Emirates Skycargo is definitely exception to the rule in the air freight business and it's not hard to see why.”