Dubai on Sunday joined an elite group of two-airport cities when Dubai Airports officially opened Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) for cargo operations welcoming flights operated by Rus Aviation, Skyline and Aerospace.

When completed, DWC will be the largest airport in the world with five runways, four terminal buildings and capacity for 160 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo.

The first phase of the airport will feature one A380 capable runway, 64 remote stands, one cargo terminal with annual capacity for 250,000 tonnes of cargo and a passenger terminal building designed to accommodate five million passengers per year.

“Phase I is the first step in a long infrastructure development project that over time will see our new airport transformed into the world’s largest global gateway and a multi-modal logistics hub that plays an increasingly integral role in the ongoing economic and social development of Dubai.” said Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and chairman of Dubai Airports.

“It is a proud day for Dubai and an auspicious occasion for the future of global aviation,” he added.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said, “Although it is a long term project, the need for a second airport in the near to mid-term is clear.”

“Dubai International currently has capacity for 2.5 million tonnes of cargo while volumes are expected increase 48 per cent to 3 million tonnes by 2015. On the passenger side we expect to see numbers skyrocket from the 41 million that passed through Dubai International in 2009 to 98 million by 2020 and 150 million by 2030,” he pointed out.

Griffiths said the new airport’s facilities and connectivity to the Jebel Ali Port and Jebel Ali Free Zone by a bonded road was being acknowledged by early adopting airlines.

“We are delighted with the response from cargo operators who are seizing the opportunity. DWC opened today with 15 cargo airlines signed up and we expect that number to increase steadily over the next few months,” he added.

Cargo carriers that have signed up to operate into DWC include Aban Air, ACI, Aerospace Consortium, Aviation Service Management, Coyne Airways, EuroAsian Services, Gatewick, Ramjet, Reem Style, Rial Aviation, Rus Aviation, Sonic Jet, SunGlobal, Skyline and United Aviation Services. Airline operational start dates vary but will occur gradually over the coming weeks.

The airport’s opening was preceded by the presentation of the official aerodrome certification for DWC to Sheikh Ahmed from Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).-TradeArabia News Service