Emirates freighter move on track
05 / 03 / 2015
EMIRATES SkyCargo is on track for the wholesale move of its home freighters base to the new Dubai World Central (DWC) airport.
The first phase of the building is finished, the carrier reports. From May, all 12 freighters will operate from the new cargo terminal.
“As of today, the cross-docks and perishables areas have been fully completed and mark a critical milestone in the start of operations scheduled for May. The cargo handling system and interiors are due to be finalised shortly and are also well on schedule,” says Dave Gould, senior vice-president of cargo operations worldwide.
The airline has already started to test facilities and, in particular the trucking links between DWC and the old Dubai International Airport.
Initially, operations will start with 250 staff, which will be increased to 500 staff upon full operation of the entire terminal.
“The move of our freighter operations to DWC provides us with the opportunity to have a dedicated facility for our freighters with the required infrastructure, space and the opportunity to further expand and meet our customers’ needs,” Gould adds.
On full completion, the terminal will be equipped to handle 700,000 tonnes a year, with the potential for further expansion to reach one million.
It will feature state-of-the-art technology, including a fully automated materials handling system which is one of the world’s first to have an automated Quick Dolly Transfer System that enables quick transfer of six ULDs simultaneously.
In addition, an automated pallet handling system, advanced storage system, offices, workstation areas, modern communication and security systems, canteens, and other amenities will be installed.
The infrastructure also includes 46 truck docks and 80 truck parking spaces, in addition to 12 aircraft stands directly in front of the terminal.
