Construction has begun on Emirates SkyCargo’ s new state-of-the-art 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.

Construction company, Amana Steel Buildings Contracting LLC, 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.

Emirates SkyCargo currently operates a freighter fleet of ten aircraft – eight Boeing 777Fs and two Boeing 747-400ERFs – all of which will move to Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International Airport. Dedicated road feeder services between the two airports for connecting cargoes will be introduced to maintain the existing transhipment times between freighters to the passenger fleet and vice versa.

“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, Cargo.

“While the site is being developed, it remains business as usual for us. We are working very closely with Dubai Airports to ensure a smooth transition of our freighter operations. The move does not include passenger fleet belly cargo operations which will continue to operate from Dubai International Airport”, he added.

The terminal will have an initial capacity to manage 700 000 tonnes of cargo per annum, which can be expanded to meet future growth. It also provides Emirates SkyCargo with the space to have a larger perishables handling area, with a dedicated pharmaceutical storage area, enabling it to expand its cool chain products and services.

Emirates press release