RSA National, the joint venture between US-based air cargo operator National and UAE-based multimodal 3PL specialist RSA Global, has launched a new air cargo terminal airside at Dubai World Central (DWC), a media report said.

The opening of this multimodal smart transit hub for road, sea and air, will drive growth in the logistics sector, which is set to increase by 4.8 per cent by 2021, Abishek Ajay Shah, co-founder and group CEO of RSA Global was quoted as saying in a Wam report.

"RSA Global is a home-grown brand and we have been inspired by the UAE leadership’s vision to build the aviation capital of the world," he said. "We believe the launch of RSA National’s flagship air cargo terminal is a game changer for the UAE’s aviation and logistics industry to claim the number one spot. We have designed this smart facility to deliver innovative multimodal, tech-forward supply chain solutions and plan to expand as the region’s demands grow. The sky’s the limit."

To mark the occasion, an exclusive ceremony was held at RSA National’s new cargo terminal with the attendance of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports; President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority; Chairman and CEO of Emirates Group, and Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports.

Dubai is within an eight-hour flight of two thirds of the world, cementing its strong position to lead the global logistics industry and help fulfil the UAE’s aviation and logistics vision for 2045 with RSA National intending to play an integral role.

The company has successfully completed 13,000 sq m of built up area, and has the ability to scale up within its 56,000-sq-m footprint in DWC, in line with the growing demand forecast.

"Today we are delighted to celebrate the inauguration of RSA National’s air cargo terminal at DWC. The RSA National air cargo terminal is an impressive and welcomed development and supports Dubai’s efforts to remain at the forefront of aviation and logistics globally," said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.

"The completion of the first phase of the first commercial cargo terminal at DWC is an important step for RSA National in the context of the UAE aviation industry, a vital driving force of the country’s economic diversification plan," added Jacob Matthew, president – Middle East and Pac Rim and board member, National.

Paul Griffiths, CEO Dubai Airports, said, "We have witnessed impressive freight growth at DWC since it first opened in 2010. The airport has quickly ascended the global rankings for international freight volumes and is now ranked in the top 20. We have achieved this by developing and implementing leading-edge customer centric processes, technology and infrastructure. RSA National’s innovative and tech forward mindset is fully aligned with this approach and we are honoured to celebrate this great achievement with them today."