Virgin Atlantic and Delta Cargo opens new facility

by Payload Asia

Virgin Atlantic Cargo and Delta Cargo have opened a state-of-the-art export facility at London Heathrow to future-proof the joint venture’s growth plans in the U.K. market. This is supported by new technologies that will enhance business continuity, as well as deliver significant improvements and transparency in the customer delivery experience.

 

Opened on schedule, the new facility is the first phase of Virgin Atlantic Cargo and Delta Cargo’s expansion programme to double cargo handling capacity at Heathrow to meet both airlines’ projected growth.

 

Compared to Virgin Atlantic Cargo and Delta Cargo’s former export operation at the airport, the new dnata City East facility offers:

 

  • 18 customer delivery doors, double the amount previously
  • An expanded ETV (Elevated Transfer Vehicle), capable of full automation, with 245 pallet positions, up 20%, which enables the loading of flights in ‘trim order’ to support the airlines’ on-time performance
  • High-rise racking with 1,350 positions for storing export freight, eliminating unnecessary movements of shipments
  • A dedicated Pharma Zone and increased capacity for temperature-controlled and perishables cargoes
  • Special facilities for Dangerous Goods and Live Animal shipments
  • New x-ray technology with enhanced imaging capability, reducing the need for secondary cargo screening
  • Advanced internal and external high-definition CCTV systems to ensure a safe and secure working environment

 

The new facility also features the Gatehouse concept, meaning drivers arriving at the facility no longer need to leave their vehicles to complete documentation processes and are then immediately assigned to a cargo door to offload their freight. Drivers also receive text message updates to help expedite cargo deliveries. Real-time acceptance using the operation’s door management system and hand-held technology also provides instant freight status update messages for customers to confirm their cargo is being handled and flown as planned. Screens inside the facility, linked directly to the airlines’ operations control centres, enable flight monitoring and the management of service level agreements.