Dubai freight traffic to soar 48% by 2015

Dubai Airports announced it expects air cargo volumes at Dubai International Airport and Dubai's new World Central-Al Maktoum International Airport will increase 48% over the next five years (Khaleej Times, 30-Sep-2010). The airport operator stated that it handled 1.9 million tonnes of freight in 2009, which it expects to increase to more than 3 million tonnes p/a by 2015. The increases are attributed to recovering economic conditions and trade flows, Dubai's favourable geographic location and anticipated cargo capacity increases, particularly by key operator Emirates and its dedicated cargo arm Emirates SkyCargo, as well as increases by other cargo operators.

Dubai Airports: "There is no doubt Dubai International remains our hub. However, this forecast, combined with our projections for 98 million passengers by 2020, clearly shows the need for a new airport … Aviation accounts for about 25% of Dubai's GDP and our strategy is to have capacity lead demand so we never constrain growth. Aviation is too important to Dubai's economy to fall prey to the short-term thinking that has led to costly capacity constraints and congestion at so many airports around the world." Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman. Source: Khaleej Times, 30-Sep-2010.

Dubai Airports: "Phase 1 [of the Dubai World Central project] will provide much-needed freight capacity in the near to mid-term. The vision is to eventually develop Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International into a multi-modal logistics hub which capitalises on its ideal location next to Jebel Ali Port as well as its connectivity by air to major consumer markets worldwide … Dubai is located four hours flying time from one-third of the world's population and 12 hours from 80% of the population." Paul Griffiths, CEO. Source: Khaleej Times, 30-Sep-2010.