Dubai World Central (DWC), the world’s first purpose-built aerotropolis, said the construction of the Emirates SkyCargo’s new terminal at the new Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA) is progressing as per schedule with the first phase on track for completion in December.

Upon completion of the phase I, 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, said a statement from Dubai World Central.

It can be further expanded by an additional 300,000 tonnes in the second phase, the statement added.

The hitech 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, said the statement.       

Khalifa Al Zaffin, the executive chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said: "DWC including the several specialised districts and AMIA 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," he added.       

Nabil Sultan, Emirates divisional senior VP (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 DWC 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," he stated.

Emirates SkyCargo currently operates a freighter fleet of ten aircraft - eight Boeing 777Fs and two Boeing 747-400ERFs – all of which will move to AMIA.

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, said Sultan.

The 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, he added.-TradeArabia News Service