The new airport, located 30kms north of Durban City Center is on schedule for its official opening in May 2010. It is three times larger than the city's current airport and will accommodate 7.5 million passengers a year. A key feature of the airport at La Mercy is its 3.7km long runway, enabling it to service the largest aircraft in the world, including the Airbus A380. The airport's passenger and cargo facilities have been designed to manage growth forecasts up to 2060.
Dube Tradeport is a public company established by the Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal and funded by the province's Department of Economic Development. Its mission is to provide a significant economic stimulus and sustainable employment opportunities to the region through the provision of a 'world class' new airport and supporting logistics infrastructure.
The 15,800 square meter cargo terminal is expected to handle tens of thousands of tons of air cargo and express shipments in its first year of operation and has the long-term capacity to process up to two million tons per annum. The airport will also incorporate a dedicated tradezone for the freight forwarding community, logistics service providers, assemblers, distributors and manufacturers; and an 'Agri Zone' that provides glasshouses and post harvest facilities within the Dube Transport precinct for the specific production of high value perishables business for export.
Olivier Bijaoui, Executive Chairman, President & CEO of WFS, said: 'We are extremely proud to have concluded this prestigious contract and look forward to building a strong business partnership with Dube Tradeport. This is one of the most impressive and professional new airport projects in the world. The New International Airport at La Mercy clearly recognizes the importance of providing world-class cargo facilities for its airline and logistics customers. A well-planned, quality-driven cargo infrastructure at such a magnificent new airport will provide the quality of service customers expect, help to boost the local and national economy and attract inward investment.
'In WFS, the New International Airport at La Mercy has chosen a partner that is recognized across the globe for the expertise of our people and the quality of our handling solutions. It is this reputation that has enabled WFS to become the largest cargo handler in the world, handling 3.5 million tons of cargo per year for more than 300 airlines and airports at 120 locations worldwide. The opening of the airport will herald an exciting new era for Durban and for South Africa. It is also the start of an exciting new venture for WFS, representing our first ever airport contract in Africa.'
The general cargo area of the new Dube Tradeport Cargo Terminal is being equipped with a fully automated ETV system supported by the latest barcode processing technology. It also incorporates narrow aisle racking, forklifts, build beds, x-ray equipment, a fully equipped temperature controlled Border Inspection Post (BIP) and a dedicated 'cool-chain' storage area.
The terminal will also provide office facilities for local Customs officials, police, security, BIP and agriculture personnel. This is in addition to a separate 'freight forwarder village' for the local cargo agents community that will be linked to the new cargo terminal by an elevated ULD express conveyor system to reduce the number of trucks needing to be handled at the building's landside freight doors. The first phase of the cargo village will be ready at opening of the new airport and will be know as the Airfreight Logistics Facility.
The significantly enhanced air cargo and logistics infrastructure will provide an important international airbridge for manufacturers located
