Abu Dhabi Airports, Etihad Cargo to transform Abu Dhabi International Airport's cargo and logistics infrastructure

• Plan includes a refurbished and dedicated pharmaceutical handling facility by end of Q3 2020 to be followed by a state-of-the-art new Etihad Cargo terminal

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics services arm of the Etihad Aviation Group, have announced a major project to enhance Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) into a state-of-the-art global air cargo center of excellence.

Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Cargo will implement a multi-phased cargo infrastructure development strategy, starting with the imminent upgrade of Etihad’s existing air cargo terminal facilities on the Southside airport perimeters. The program will culminate with the inauguration of Etihad Cargo’s future home, a new state-of-the-art air cargo terminal in the East Midfield section of the airport, an area designated by Abu Dhabi Airports for future integrated cargo, logistics and integrator activities.

The plans revealed that the first phase, the upgrading of the Southside Etihad cargo facilities, will commence immediately and is due for completion in phases between fall 2019 and end of Q3 2020. The scope includes the enhancement of RFS loading docks with levelers, insulation and floor works for faster and more efficient loading with stricter temperature controls, increased storage space and additional build-up and breakdown zones to improve production workflow, and upgraded cool chain facilities for both its fresh and pharma handling and storage operations.

This phase will not only increase efficiency and productivity in the existing facilities to support air cargo growth at Abu Dhabi International Airport for the coming five years, but it will also enhance Etihad’s pharmaceutical logistics capability through a dedicated Southside Pharma Terminal, adding 3,500 sqm’s of space for temperature-controlled handling and storage across both 2-8 degrees Celsius and 15-25 degrees Celsius categories. This further complements Etihad Cargo’s recent success in the domain, having become the first airline in the Middle East to gain CEIV Pharma certification for both its airline and terminal operations in January.

Furthermore, with a focus on continued growth mid and long term, Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Cargo have agreed as a next step to designate a plot of land at the East Midfield site. The team will soon be inviting expressions of interest to bid for the design and construction of Etihad Cargo’s state-of-the-art, next generation facility that will mark the creation of one the world’s most advanced and automated air cargo terminals. The facility will be designed to handle incremental UAE import and export demand, boost Etihad’s growing cargo network flows as well as cater for the significant rise in E-commerce and express mail and cargo operations.

Bryan Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, commented: “Geographically, Abu Dhabi is situated at the heart of the east to west trade routes. Additionally, the transport and logistics fabric of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is well planned and structured to create undeniable potential to grow the cargo traffic exponentially.”

“Today we are putting in place the right foundations and frameworks for our future cargo activity, which in a few years will re-shape this industry for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi is the future’s cargo hub for the region and the world.” 

Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Today’s announcement is a major milestone in the development of Etihad Cargo’s logistics strategy that will see our hub continue to grow as one of the world’s most important trade facilitators connecting East and West.

“The immediate investment in the Southside terminal will deliver a step change in the efficiency and capability of our existing facilities while the announcement of the development of a new facility reinforces Etihad’s commitment to develop Abu Dhabi as a world class hub for the logistics of the future.”

In addition, Abu Dhabi Airports is setting the groundworks for the first phase of a bonded, non-bonded and free zone area adjoining the airport designated as “Al Falah Free Zone”, which it will develop as a prime location for E-commerce fulfilment and Logistics warehousing. The goal is to transform the nation’s capital into a globally recognized, multi-modal cargo hub driving sustainable economic growth in the Emirate.

Ends-

For more information contact:
Abu Dhabi Airports:
Press Office:
Phone Number: +971 55 178 3906
E-mail: ADAC@fourcommunications.com

If you would like to be removed from the distribution list for Abu Dhabi Airports’ emails, please email ADAC@fourcommunications.com , with ‘Unsubscribe’ in the header

Etihad:
Duty Media Officer
Etihad Aviation Group
Tel: + 971 50 818 9596
Email:  dutymediaofficer@etihad.ae  

About Abu Dhabi Airports

Abu Dhabi Airports is a public joint-stock company wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi Government. It was created on 4 March 2006, to spearhead the development of the Emirate's aviation infrastructure. In September 2006, Abu Dhabi Airports assumed responsibility for the operation and management of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain International Airports. In 2008, Abu Dhabi Airports added Al Bateen Executive Airport (an exclusive business aviation airport), as well as Sir Bani Yas and Delma Island Airports to its portfolio. These airports are geared to serve the various segments of air travelers, the aviation marketplace, and will help contribute to Abu Dhabi’s development as a destination for both business and leisure tourism.

Currently under way is the multi-billion dollar re-development and expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport designed to increase the overall capacity of the airport.

You can follow Abu Dhabi Airports on:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AUH 

Instagram: http://instagram.com/abudhabiairports  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abu-dhabi-airports 

YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/AUHAirport 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AbuDhabiAirports 

Web sites: www.adac.ae , www.abudhabiairport.ae 

About Etihad Cargo

Etihad Cargo is the cargo and logistics arm of the Etihad Aviation Group. Established in 2003, Etihad Cargo has enjoyed rapid growth in a relatively short amount of time, cementing its position as a key player in the global air cargo industry. From our hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, strategically located at the centre of the world’s busiest trade lanes, Etihad Cargo provides an integral link between Asia, Europe, Africa, Australasia and the US.

With a dedicated fleet of Boeing 777 freighters and more than 96 passenger aircraft, Etihad Cargo provides comprehensive access to all major global gateways. Our fleet of aircraft offer custom-solutions to cater to varying business segments with specialized products and services across wide-body, narrow-body and freighter-only aircraft. We also offer our freighters on charters to enable bespoke routing requiring a turnkey solution. Customers can book their services directly through our network of Etihad Cargo offices worldwide and online at www.etihadcargo.com. 

© Press Release 2019