DP World begins Punta Cana airfreight operations
23 / 05 / 2024
Air cargo hub development. Photo: PCFTZ via DP World
Airfreight operations have begun at DP World’s air cargo logistics hub in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic with the arrival of its first freighter aircraft.
The multimodal facility at Punta Cana International Airport, first announced in March 2023, has been jointly developed with Grupo Puntacana and built through an agreement between DP World and the Punta Cana Free Trade Zone (PCFTZ), a subsidiary of Grupo Puntacana.
DP World said that the hub’s first inbound flight was operated by Air Canada Cargo using a Boeing 767F with a capacity of approximately 50 tons. The flight will serve the weekly Toronto-Mexico-Ecuador-Punta Cana route.
The aircraft is designed to transport a variety of goods, including fruits, vegetables, and medical devices.
Manuel Martínez, chief executive of DP World Dominicana, said: “The arrival of this freighter aircraft and the initiation of air operations at our logistics center significantly enhance the Dominican Republic’s competitiveness and connectivity, solidifying its status as the largest trade and logistics hub in the Caribbean.”
Frank Elías Rainieri, president and chief executive of Grupo Puntacana, said: “This milestone is crucial for the logistics center. Our strategic alliance with DP World Dominicana and Air Canada Cargo continues to promote the economic and social development of the Dominican Republic.”
The 10,000 sq m air cargo facility includes a logistics centre with warehouse and manufacturing facilities, and a fuel supply terminal, in addition to existing warehouses.
DP World said that in its first operational stage, the Punta Cana air cargo logistics hub was actively receiving cargo via land transport and exporting it through the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).
At present, 60% to 70% of the cargo consists of perishables, primarily fruits and vegetables. The hub also handles a variety of other commodities, including machinery, automotive equipment, and seafood, and specializes in the expedited shipment of goods. DP World plans for the hub to eventually diversify into the pharmaceutical, technology and e-commerce sectors.
DP World to launch air cargo logistics hub in Dominican Republic
