Volume sets another record for Dnata Cargo

Dubai: Dnata Cargo, operator of Dubai's air cargo terminals, has achieved another record year as throughput beat expectations, which the company says reflects Dubai's status as the region's premier cargo hub.

Dnata Cargo's four terminals handled a combined volume of 566,915 tonnes for the year April 2005 to March this year; an increase of 10 per cent, or 53,536 tonnes, compared to the same period for 2004 2005.

The Dnata Cargo terminals are Dubai Cargo Village's Main Cargo Terminal (MCT) and Express Handling Centre (EHC); the Freezone Logistic Centre (FLC) based at Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA) and the Freezone Air Cargo Terminal (FACT) at Jebel Ali Freezone.

During the past year MCT handled 399,622 tonnes, FLC 104,162 tonnes; EHC 56,114 tonnes; and FACT 7,017 tonnes. Jean Pierre De Pauw, Senior Vice President, Dnata Cargo, said: "The continued success of Dnata Cargo is intrinsically linked to the growth of Dubai.

"These figures represent another record year and are welcome indicators for foreign airlines who see Dnata Cargo as the region's leading cargo handler; and Dubai as its premier commercial centre."

A highlight of the year was the EHC's 16 per cent growth during the period, handling 56,114 tonnes.

Dnata Cargo provides a broad range of products and services to meet the diverse needs of more than 100 airlines operating through Dubai International Airport, and serves some 1,000 cargo agents based in Dubai.

Breakdown: Heavy trading

Dnata Cargo's four terminals' combined exports for the year were 218,868 tonnes. Imported cargo was 265,860 tonnes and transit cargo 82,187 tonnes.

Significant growth was seen in sea-air cargo, imports terminating in Dubai, and transit shipments using Dubai as a gateway for onward distribution into Iraq, Afghanistan and East Africa, the company said.