AIPUT gains planning permission for new dnata cargo facility at Heathrow

Airport Industrial Property Unit Trust (AIPUT) fund has secured local council planning permission for its 250,000 sq ft dnata City East warehouse on a site opposite the existing Heathrow Cargo Terminal.
London Borough of Hounslow’s Planning Committee signalled its approval for the new facility, which has been designed to meet the operational requirements of dnata, the largest cargo handler at Heathrow.
Dnata City East and will complement the Dubai-headquartered ground handler’s existing facilities at the London airfreight hub, Europe’s fourth largest by cargo volumes.
According to global asset manager Aberdeen Standard Investments, which manages AIPUT, dnata City East represents one of the largest ever off-airport pre-lets at Heathrow, the UK’s busiest cargo airport.
The facility’s strategic location, adjacent to the Heathrow’s arterial Southern Perimeter Road, will provide “rapid access to the airport’s other operational areas,” said the developer.
Commenting on the deal, AIPUT fund manager Nick Smith declared: “This planning permission reinforces AIPUT’s position as one of the largest and most informed landlords around the airport, with the right property in the right place to serve the expanding air-freight related demand and logistics requirements.
“Dnata’s investment represents a strong vote of confidence in the robustness of AIPUT’s real estate strategy and service to its key airport-related customers.”
Dnata UK chief executive Gary Morgan added: “Dnata City East will help us to accommodate increased cargo handling demand from our growing portfolio of clients at London Heathrow at the time when the airport is on the cusp of major expansion.
“Securing a state-of-the-art warehouse of this size in a prime location builds on our relationship and real estate work with AIPUT and puts us in a strong position to handle the airport’s cargo handling requirements of the future.”