Dnata, one of the world’s largest air services providers, reached a key milestone in its operation at Dubai World Central (DWC), handling over one million tonnes of air freight since its first full year of operation in 2011. In just five years dnata has seen a staggering 90 per cent increase in freight volume, recording 170,260 tonnes in 2015, up from 89,729 tonnes in 2011. The performance has far exceeded the original growth forecast of 20 per cent.
While expected to be the largest airport in the world once completed, dnata said it has already had the privilege of handling a range of unique and unusual cargo at Dubai World Central.
This includes the world’s largest ever piece of cargo, a 95 tonne gas turbine bound for a government project in Northern Nigeria; a variety of prototype, racing, classic and luxury cars, an original Batmobile brought in for an auto show; as well as relief shipments from the regional World Health Organisation destined for Pakistan, Yemen and Iraq. The airport has also accommodated the largest aircraft in the world, the Antonov AN225, with ground support from the dnata team.
Bernd Struck, dnata’s senior VP, UAE Cargo, said: “This is a hugely significant milestone for all of us at Dubai World Central. The growth we have experienced over the last five years is thanks to not only dnata, but the combined hard work and commitment of Dubai Airports and all of the stakeholders involved in creating a world-class logistics platform with unparalleled connectivity, speed and efficiency. Dubai World Central features industry leading facilities and offers a host of attractive benefits to its customers, which includes many of the world’s largest airfreight operators.”
Struck also pointed to a number of key factors for the airport’s rapid growth, including: Strategic location close to Dubai International, Jebel Ali Sea Port, Dubai Free Zones and Abu Dhabi with its new industrial zones; an absence of slot restrictions; vast growth capabilities; competitive pricing; dnata’s wide range of innovative services and products to provide a tailor made one-stop cargo offering; and 24-hour operations.
Struck continued: “DWC is the perfect gateway, offering competitive pricing, as well as flexibility and the necessary infrastructure to accommodate all of our customers’ requirements. Ever since we accepted our first flight, dnata has continued to enhance its structure, equipment and services to provide a one-stop cargo offering. This is supported by a dedicated and highly motivated team, all of which are committed to helping our customers grow their business.”
“Since first opening for cargo operations in June 2010 DWC has rapidly ascended airport rankings for international freight volumes and now sits in the top 20 worldwide,” added Majed Al Joker, Dubai Airports’ senior VP of operations – DWC.
“Throughout it all dnata has played a vital role in ensuring our mutual airline customers receive great service. Dubai Airports remains committed to investing in the provision of top notch infrastructure that facilitates traffic growth.”
Dubai World Central is situated in the heart of Dubai South, a planned residential commercial and logistics complex, which includes the Dubai Logistics City (DLC), Commercial City, Residential City, Aviation City and Golf City.
Dubai Airports launched cargo operations at DWC on 27 June 2010, and by the time the full 140 sq km development is complete – estimated to be in the mid-2020s – it will be able accommodate up to 16 million tonnes of freight and up to 240 million passengers per year.
