Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airlines and Group.
Gulf News: How much will the DFC enhance the emirate's already-established status as a regional hub?
Shaikh Ahmad: 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. Dubai has already been recognised as a leading trans-shipment point for many products including perishables.
The setting up of the Dh257-million DFC will give an additional boost to the overall cargo handling capacity at Dubai International Airport. The state-of-the-art trans-shipment facility has the capacity to handle 180,000 tonnes of perishable products a year. This capacity will establish the centre as one of the defining links in the global cool chain.
Gulf News: In what way will Dnata Cargo be associated with the operations of DFC?
Shaikh Ahmad: The DFC is supported by Dnata Cargo and its DACS+ system (Chameleon) for terminal handling activities to ensure efficient transfer of perishable cargo. Rapid and efficient handling is aided by a fully automatic system that safeguards quality and maximises shelf life. At the moment all perishable transit cargo from Emirates is being handled by the DFC.
Gulf News: Do you see the DFC contributing to the growth of the perishable cargo sector in the region?
Shaikh Ahmad: 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.
Moreover the DFC is the only place to trade, store and add-value to perishables in the Middle East and beyond because of its superior processes, facilities and technology. So we are sure that the DFC will contribute immensely to the growth of this sector worldwide.
Gulf News: Will the DFC be linked to the Dubai World Central when the bigger aviation hub is commissioned?
Shaikh Ahmad: Dubai World Central will be the world's first truly integrated single-bond multi-modal logistics transport platform. It will be linked to Dubai International Airport, the DFC and Jebel Ali Port and Free Zone by dedicated 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. So, future capacity expansion may not be an issue for the DFC.
Gulf News: How beneficial will the 'Free Zone' concept be for operators within the DFC premises?
Shaikh Ahmad: Operating from within a free-zone environment and incorporating the latest technology and processes, the DFC ensures seamless and prompt delivery from the producer to the end consumer. International traders can establish offices and warehouses for added-value services. The DFC also acts as a one-stop shop for local and international buyers, traders and exporters.
By Staff Reporter
© Gulf News 2006
