Dubai's new airport hopes swell as next world cargo hub

CARGO operations have begun at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, prompting one academic to proclaim that the facility has the potential to be a world centre for air freight.

"The Al Maktoum International Airport is a landmark opportunity for Dubai," Professor Bala Balachandran was quoted as saying in the Khaleej Times.

Said Chicago area Northwest University accounting professor JL Kellogg: "The entire movement of cargo worldwide could be routed through Dubai given its strategic position on the Gulf. Dubai could well be on its way to becoming another Hong Kong or Singapore whose seaports deal with huge amounts of cargo transiting to various locations.

Prof Kellogg also said many suggest it will attract the likes of FedEx as it provides efficiency and low costs.

The US$8.1 billion Al Maktoum International Airport is the main component of Dubai World Central, an integrated logistics platform offering most transport modes, logistics and value-added services, including manufacturing and assembly.

Upon completion the airport will be the world's largest passenger and cargo hub, with the capacity to handle 120-150 million passengers and more than 12 million tonnes of cargo, annually. The airport commenced cargo operations in June while its passenger terminal is expected to start operations in March 2011.
(Source:www.schednet.com)