Air, Feature, Freight News

Dubai World Central open for business

[ May 2, 2014   //   Chris ]

Emirates SkyCargo’s freighter fleet has officially started operating from its new cargo terminal at Dubai World Central’s (DWC) Al Maktoum International Airport.

The occasion was marked by the very early morning arrival of an Emirates SkyCargo Boeing 777 Freighter from London Heathrow, carrying over 100 tonnes of cargo. The load of cargo included vehicles, ship spares, pharmaceuticals, oilfield equipment and an aircraft engine.

Construction of phase one of the cargo terminal and supporting facilities began in July last year, and with its completion operations are now in full swing with 250 staff on site. The newly opened terminal will be able to handle 700 000 tonnes of cargo a year and have 500 staff when phase two, scheduled to be completed by September this year, comes into operation. The terminalcan be expanded to 1 million tonnes capacity.

The terminal features a fully automated material handling system which is one of the world’s first to have an automated Quick Dolly Transfer System that enables transfer of six ULDs simultaneously. In addition, an automated pallet handling system, advanced storage system, offices, workstation areas, modern communication and security systems and many amenities for employees, including canteens have been installed. The perishable area has been designed to handle about 140 000 tonnes of cargo a year.

The terminal also includes 45 truck docks and 80 truck parking spaces and 12 aircraft stands directly in front of the terminal.

Tags: Dubai World Central, Emirates