DUBAI World Central (DWC), the world’s first purpose-built aerotropolis, has revealed that construction of Emirates SkyCargo’s new terminal at DWC’s Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA) is progressing as scheduled; with phase one of the construction of the terminal on track for completion in December 2013.
Upon completion of the first phase by mid-September 2014, 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.”
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 transhipment times between freighters to the passenger fleet and vice versa.