Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International passes operational tests

Dubai Airports stated (21-Jun-2010) Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International passed a series of operational tests conducted during its first "live" flight (with an Emirates SkyCargo B777F service from Hong Kong) on 20-Jun-2010. Details include:

• Operating test: During the live operation, the flight tested ATC procedures, airfield and taxiway signage and routes, radio communication and a host of processes and procedures related to ground and cargo handling, fuelling, catering, customs, immigration and security. The trial also tested communication links between all parties involved (Emirates SkyCargo, Dubai Airports, Dubai Air Navigation Services, Dubai Police, Customs, Immigration, Engineering Projects, Dubai Logistics City, Dubai World Central, JAFZA, Dnata, Swift Freight and the Roads & Transport Authority);
• Opening dates: The airport is scheduled to open for cargo operations on 27-Jun-2010. The facility opens initially for cargo carriers, with passenger operations slated to commence at the end of Mar-2011;
• Phase I of project: Phase one will feature one A380-capable runway, 64 remote stands, one cargo terminal with annual capacity for 250,000 tonnes and a passenger terminal designed to accommodate 5 million passengers p/a;
• Construction project: When completed, the facility will be the largest airport in the world with five runways, four terminal buildings and capacity for 160 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo. In the short term, the airport will increase the capacity of Dubai to accommodate the 48% increase in cargo volumes from the 1.9 million to 3 million tonnes anticipated by 2015. In the long term, it will serve as a multi-modal logistics hub for 12 million tonnes of freight and a global gateway for the 150 million passengers p/a expected to pass through Dubai by 2030. [more]