Dubai sees 15% more air cargo this year

Dubai: Dubai International Airport is expected to handle 1.5 million tonnes of cargo this year, an increase of 15 per cent over the volume of 2005.

Cargo volumes have been boosted by the opening in July of Dubai Flower Centre, a new facility that can handle 180,000 tonnes of perishable products a year, said Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates group.

"Dubai International Airport handled 1.3 million tonnes of cargo for the year 2005. This is expected to increase to 1.5 million tonnes this year," he said.

"Dubai has been recognised as a leading transshipment point for many products, including perishables.

"The setting up of the Dh257-million Dubai Flower Centre will give an additional boost to the overall cargo handling capacity at the Dubai International Airport," Shaikh Ahmad said in a statement.

All perishable transit cargo in the emirate is being handled by Dubai Flower Centre.

"Perishables are set to become increasingly important to airlines, airports and logistics companies in the coming years. Nearly 15 per cent of world cargo is now perishable and the market is growing at 7.1 per cent annually, quicker than any other sector in global airfreight," Shaikh Ahmad said.

Dubai Flower Centre will be linked to Dubai Logistics City and a new airport in Jebel Ali, both part of the upcoming Dubai World Central development, he added.

Designed to become the region's biggest logistics hub, Dubai World Central is being developed in an area of 140 square kilometres. Infrastructure costs are estimated at $33 billion.

It will be linked to Dubai International Airport, and Jebel Ali Port and Free Zone by road and high-speed express rail links.

"Logistics companies and airlines will be able to move freight and passengers between land, sea and air, all from one location, without ever having to leave the bonded free zone environment," Shaikh Ahmad said.