July 18--Construction has begun on Emirates SkyCargo' s new cargo terminal and supporting facilities at Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the home of its freighter operations from May 2014.
In addition to the cargo terminal, various facilities and infrastructure will be built including 46 truck docks and 80 truck parking spaces, 12 aircraft stands directly in front of the terminal, while additional interface facilities -- east and west cross docks -- will be built at Dubai International Airport.
Amana Steel Buildings Contracting, a construction company, was awarded the contract and recently started with the foundation work for the cargo terminal, with the first phase to be completed in December 2013. Following the completion of the first phase, the cargo handling system and the interior will be fitted, with the first section to be delivered to Emirates SkyCargo by the beginning of April next year and full completion by mid-September.
"The planned move of our freighter operations from Dubai International Airport to Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International Airport is the next step in Emirates SkyCargo' s overall expansion and growth programme. It provides us with a brand new facility for our freighter operations and will increase capacity and enable us to meet our long-term objectives," said Nabil Sultan, Emirates' divisional senior vice-president for cargo. The terminal will have an initial capacity to manage 700 000 tonnes of cargo per annum, which can be expanded to meet future growth.
Copyright 2013 - Khaleej Times, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
