Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International opens for business
Dubai Airports has officially opened its second airport, Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), for cargo operations, welcoming inaugural flights operated by Rus Aviation, Skyline and Aerospace Consortium. According to HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority & chairman of Dubai Airports, phase 1 is the first step in a long infrastructure development project that will see the new airport transformed into the world’s largest global gateway and a multi-modal logistics hub that will play an increasingly integral role in the ongoing economic and social development of Dubai. Phase 1 of the airport will feature one A380-capable runway, 64 remote stands, one cargo terminal with annual capacity for 250,000 tonnes of cargo and a passenger terminal building designed to accommodate five million passengers per year. When completed, Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International will be the biggest airport in the world, with five runways, four terminal buildings and capacity for 160 million passengers and twelve million tonnes of cargo. "Although it is a long-term project, the need for a second airport in the near to mid-term is clear," said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. "Dubai International currently has capacity for 2.5 million tonnes of cargo, while volumes are expected increase by 48% to three million tonnes by 2015." Griffiths added that the new airport’s facilities and connectivity to the Jebel Ali Port and Jebel Ali Free Zone by a bonded road is being acknowledged by early adopting airlines. The airport opened with fifteen cargo airlines signed up: Aban Air, ACI, Aerospace Consortium, Aviation Service Management, Coyne Airways, EuroAsian Services, Gatewick, Ramjet, Reem Style, Rial Aviation, Rus Aviation, Sonic Jet, SunGlobal, Skyline and United Aviation Services. Airline operational start dates vary but will occur gradually over the coming weeks, and more airlines are expected to sign up over the next few months. Quelle: eyefortransport |