Emirates SkyCargo (Dubai) starts operations today (May 1) from its new cargo terminal at Dubai World Central’s (DWC) Al Maktoum International Airport.

The official start of operations was marked by the very early morning arrival of an Emirates SkyCargo Boeing 777F Freighter from London (Heathrow), carrying a full load of more than 100 tons of cargo. The load of cargo included vehicles, ship spares, pharmaceuticals, oilfield equipment and an aircraft engine, some of which are for distribution in the U.A.E., while other cargo will be carried onward by Emirates passenger aircraft at Dubai International Airport (DXB) to various markets around Emirates’ network, such as South Africa, China, India and South Korea.
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Construction of phase one of the cargo terminal and supporting facilities began in July 2013, and with its completion operations are now in full swing with 250 staff on site. The newly opened terminal is equipped with start-of-the-art technology and will be able to handle 700 000 tons of cargo annually and have 500 staff when phase two, scheduled to be completed by September this year, comes into operation. The terminal has the potential for further expansion to reach 1 million tons.

Emirates SkyCargo currently has a fleet of 12 freighters, 10 Boeing 777Fs and two Boeing 747-400 ERFs, which operate to more than 50 destinations around the world. Cargo arriving on freighters will be transported by dedicated trucking services between DWC and Dubai International Airport along the Emirates Road (E-611) which will be the main corridor for connecting cargo between freighters and the passenger fleet. The current trucking fleet numbers 47, which will be increased relative to future growth requirements.

The newly opened terminal is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. It features a fully automated material handling system which is one of the world’s first to have an automated Quick Dolly Transfer System that enables quick transfer of 6 Unit Load Devices (ULDs) simultaneously. In addition, an automated pallet handling system, advanced storage system, offices, work station areas, modern communication and security systems and many amenities for employees, including canteens have been installed. The perishable area has been designed to handle about 140 000 tons of cargo per annum, featuring three large areas each with different temperature ranges.

The terminal infrastructure also includes 45 truck docks and 80 truck parking spaces, in addition to 12 aircraft stands directly in front of the terminal.

Copyright Photo: Keith Burton/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 777-F1H A6-EFJ (msn 35610) arrives at London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR).

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