Cargo volumes rise 7.8 percent at Dubai World Central
Dubai World Central (DWC) saw cargo volumes increase 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2013, according to a traffic report issued by Dubai Airports today.
Dubai World Central, which is being prepared for the launch of passenger operations in October later this year, handled a total of 53,974 tonnes of freight in the first three months this year, a year on year increase of 7.8 per cent compared to 50,062 tonnes that passed through the facility during the corresponding period in 2012.
The moderate growth is the result of the high base of traffic developed following two years of rapid expansion as well as the periodic fluctuations of freight volumes carried by charter-driven operations during the period under review.
Air traffic movements at the airport rose 16.8 per cent to 4,104 in the first three months of 2013 compared to 3,513 movements during the first quarter of 2012.
“Maintaining triple digit air freight traffic expansion is a difficult task… even in Dubai,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. “The next step in the evolution of the airport will see continued cargo traffic growth, the commencement of passenger operations slated for October 27 with launch carriers Wizz Air and nasair, and the hosting of its first ever Dubai Airshow from November 17. All will play a role in building our new airport’s growing brand reputation,” he added.
Dubai Airports’ total cargo volumes are expected to top 3 million tonnes by 2015 and an increasing portion of that growth is expected to spill over to DWC.