Special Features
Freight volumes at DWC surge 153 per cent in Q2
Dubai World Central is quickly establishing itself as an up-and-coming cargo airport in the region according to the latest traffic statistics issued by airport operator Dubai Airports. Cargo volumes at Dubai’s second airport surged 153 per cent to 56,271 tonnes during the second quarter of 2012 compared to 22,252 tonnes during the corresponding period last year.Year to date cargo volumes rose 226 per cent to 106,333 tonnes compared to 32,634 tonnes during the same period in 2011. DWC’s first half results follow robust growth in the first quarter when year on year freight the airport shot up by 382 per cent.
DWC’s air traffic movements saw a similarly dramatic upswing in Q2. Aircraft movements rose 136 per cent to 3,961 from 1,676 recorded during Q2 2011. Year to date movements rose from 2,526 in the first half of 2011 to 7,474 in the first half of 2012 – an increase of 196 per cent.
The growth is mainly being driven by a number of large non-commercial contracts secured late last year as well as additional charter and scheduled services also introduced during 2011. Notable milestones during the first half of the year include the launch of thrice-weekly flights from Riyadh by Saudi Airlines Cargo. Additionally, in May, United States logistics provider National Air Cargo operated its 1,000th flight into the fledgling airport. DWC currently has some 36 carriers signed up and operating while negotiations with a number of others are ongoing.
“Dubai Airports’ total cargo volumes are expected to top 4 million tonnes by 2020 and an increasing portion of that growth is expected to spill over to DWC. Right now we are seeing tremendous incremental growth as airlines come to recognise the many advantages that DWC offers them,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. “The airport’s proximity to and bonded road connection with the free zone and port at Jebel Ali and the easy availability of take-off and landing slots are very attractive propositions for cargo carriers,” Griffiths added.
