The new Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International Airport has been give the go-ahead to commence cargo operations after passing the test of its first “live” flight.
The airport will reportedly begin cargo operations on 27 June, with passenger operations slated for the end of March 2011.
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and chairman of Dubai Airports, commented: “This is an important milestone, not only for the airport’s certification process, but as another step towards achieving Dubai’s vision to become the preeminent centre for aviation worldwide.”
Phase 1 of the airport includes one runway suitable for an A380, 64 remote stands, a cargo terminal with an annual capacity of 250,000 tonnes and a passenger terminal.
By 2030, it is set to become the largest airport in the world, with five runways, four terminals and capacity for 160m passengers and 12m tonnes of cargo.
In the short term, Dubai's airport capacity will be boosted to accommodate the 48 per cent increase in cargo volumes from 1.9m to 3m tonnes anticipated by 2015.
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