dnata cargo operations at its terminal at Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) have reached record volumes as growth and expansion continue.

After increasing steadily for some months, during the month of October cargo volumes rose by a record 59% with aircraft movements at DWC also registering a growth of 33% to 280 movements in October against the previous month’s frequency.

The dnata-operated air cargo terminal – known as FreightGate-8 – which handles local and sea-air export and import cargo as well as transit cargo at DWC, handled 11,737 tonnes of cargo in October, the largest volume handled in any month since operations began when the airport opened in June 2010. This achievement puts activity levels at the relatively new FreightGate-8 on par with other more established dnata cargo terminals at Dubai International Airport in terms of monthly cargo tonnage handled.

The substantial growth in customer numbers and activity volumes can be attributed to the many benefits that DWC has to offer including: proximity to the major seaport in Jebel Ali, an integrated multi-modal logistics platform and value added services in a single customs bonded and Free Zone environment; new infrastructure such as the bonded bridge which allows seamless connectivity between Jebel Ali Free Zone and Dubai Logistics City; the dnata-PWC Airport Logistics initiative which operates scheduled trucking services between DWC, Dubai Airport and neighbouring emirates and finally, the recent of arrival of Calogi, the leading e-freight portal, which links FreightGate-8 with the business community in JAFZA, DAFZA and Cargo Village at Dubai International Airport.

“The continuous increase in activity we have witnessed at DWC is a direct result of dnata’s collaborative efforts with its airline customers, freight forwarding customers, trucking companies and all Government authorities,” said Stuart Hayman, Vice President of cargo operations for dnata. “With no shortage of terminal space and available airfield capacity and facilities, dnata looks forward to welcoming more freighter aircraft customers over the coming months and years at DWC.”

dnata’s impressive cargo terminal facility includes 1,000 square metres of chiller and freezer storage space for perishable goods and dedicated storage rooms for all types of special cargo including dangerous goods, live animals, vaccines and valuable cargo. The terminal has thirty three truck docks which can accommodate trailers up to 40 feet long.