Dnata Cargo says it is not a monopoly

Dnata Cargo, supplier of cargo handling services at Dubai International Airport, has clarified it does not have a monopoly at the airport.

Dnata faces competition from nearby international airports in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Bahrain, Muscat, and Doha, said Kevin Ennis, manager cargo business development.

Also, Emirates airline handles both its own and SriLankan Airlines' passengers and cargo at Dubai, he said.

In addition, the air services agreement between the U.S. and the UAE allows carriers from both countries to self-handle at airports in both countries. Executive flights are handled by Dubai Civil Aviation as its VIP handling agent.

At Terminal 2, two major carriers - FedEx and DHL - operate their own airport and airside facilities. Other major operators including UPS, Eastline and Panalpina, have leased facilities from Dnata in order to self-handle.

Further, Dubai airport provides ample opportunities for air carriers, cargo agents and logistic companies to do business in a way that is tailor made to their requirements, he added. This includes the opportunity to invest in facilities to self-handle if they choose.

Claims that Dubai airport and Dnata come with high operational costs attached were also shot down by Ennis. Dnata offers a variety of packages to suit all operators, he says. Dnata offers a premium service at the award-winning main cargo terminal in the Dubai Air Cargo Village.

The ultra-modern terminal features facilities including well-equipped special storage, elevated transfer vehicles, build-up and break down stations, hydraulic-powered truck docks, sea air docks, and 4,500 storage positions.

The terminal has set high standards for cargo handling with just six hours needed for general cargo, two hours for perishables and no more than one hour for express shipments.

Dnata Cargo also offers alternative, custom-designed, low-cost options at its Freezone Logistic Centre (FLC) located on the north side of the airport in the Dubai Airport Free Zone. This has been designed with flexibility in mind and caters to airline operators who want a tailor-made, no-frills and cost-effective service.

Ennis also defended the airport's flexibility. Dnata puts special emphasis on flexibility in its services to the airline and cargo community, he said. "We never say to customers 'We can't do that'. Instead we look for ways to accommodate their requirements."

Dnata Cargo is attending this week's Air Cargo Forum in Hong Kong to promote a simple message: two terminals; two options; one great service.

"Many airlines and charter operators think that Dubai is an expensive, inflexible airport for cargo. We are going to ACF this year to set the record right, dispel the myths about us, and emphasise that what we can offer is a great service at competitive rates," said Ennis.

The event, organised by the International Air Cargo Association every two years, is the premier air cargo industry event attracting air cargo decision-makers from around world to address current industry challenges and opportunities.