After twelve months of preparations and thousands of man hours by its dedicated personnel, Dnata Cargo is ready to serve its customer airlines soon to commence flying into and out of the new Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

The new airport, at the heart of Dubai World Central, will one day be the world's largest passenger and cargo hub, ultimately capable of handling over 12 million tons of cargo a year.' Dnata Cargo, which is already the ground handler for over 120 airlines at Dubai International Airport, will provide the ground handling services to all airlines at DWC. The company has made significant investment in equipment in recent months and is now fully equipped to handle any type of freighter aircraft at the new location.

In this first phase, the cargo facility, which will be known as Dnata FreightGate 8, will have a throughput of 250,000 tons per annum. Dnata Cargo's team has the facilities and capability to handle any type of cargo - even perishable goods - as there is a 1,000 cubic metre capacity of chiller and freezer storage. No fewer than 33 truck docks will accommodate trailers up to 40 feet long. Rollerbed and air suspension equipped trucks, capable of accommodating up to full three metre height 10ft ULDs, will ensure a swift connection with airports across UAE and GCC.

Dnata's services also include full aircraft servicing, including the placement of ground and operational equipment. In addition, there is a seamless interface with various control and Government authorities, including Customs and the Airport Police, as well as security provision 24 hours a day providing extra peace of mind to customers. Dnata's trusted DACS+ software solution has also been deployed and is ready for action.' It will ensure accurate and timely processing and tracking of all cargo and documents throughout the brief period they are in Dnata's possession. DACS+ is also linked with various other computer systems such as Customs E-Mirsal, the internet-based Calogi portal, Dnata Customer Care Centre and most major airlines. It will constantly exchange shipment data and status, providing up-to-date status and IATA Cargo 2000 traceability round the clock from entry to exit point on all shipments under processing with Dnata.

For Dnata Cargo, their successful ground handling of the first incoming test flight earlier this week was the result of both team work and planning, enabling them to implement the operational procedures they demonstrated, drawn from the company's 50 years of experience in the industry.' DWC and its capacity to grow as the business grows, introduces an exciting era of unconstrained growth opportunities for the entire air cargo industry in Dubai, not seen since the opening of Dubai Cargo Village in 1991. The Dnata Cargo team is excited to once again be the enabler to this growth and looks forward with confidence to the official opening date of the airport this Sunday - June 27, so that it can begin commercial cargo operations providing service excellence for its customers, current and future.