Dnata Cargo Aims To Shatter Myths At Air Cargo Forum 2002

Dnata Cargo, the award-winning supplier of cargo handling services at Dubai International Airport, is promoting a simple message at this week's Air Cargo Forum in Hong Kong: two terminals; two options; one great service. 

Kevin Ennis, Manager Cargo Business Development, explains: "Many airlines and charter operators think that Dubai is an expensive, inflexible airport for cargo. We are going to ACF this year to set the record right, dispel the myths about us, and emphasise that what we can offer is a great service at competitive rates."

Air Cargo Forum and Exposition, organised by The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) every two years, is the premier air cargo industry event attracting air cargo decision-makers from around world to address current industry challenges and opportunities. It is taking place this year from September 17 to 20 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Dnata Cargo shares Stand 610 at the exhibition with Emirates SkyCargo. 

Myth 1 says that Dnata has a monopoly at Dubai airport. In fact, Dnata faces competition from nearby international airports in Sharjah Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Bahrain, Muscat, and Doha. Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, handles both its own and SriLankan Airlines' passengers and cargo at Dubai. In addition, the air services agreement between the US and UAE allows carriers from both the countries to self-handle at airports in both countries. Executive Flights are currently handled by Dubai Civil Aviation (DCA) as their VIP handling agent.

At Terminal 2, on the airport's north side, two major carriers - FedEx and DHL - operate their own airport and airside facilities. Other major operators including UPS, Eastline and Panalpina have leased facilities from Dnata in order to self-handle.

Dubai International Airport provides ample opportunities for air carriers, cargo agents and logistic companies to do business in a way that is tailor made to their requirements. This includes the opportunity to invest in facilities to self-handle if they choose.

Myth 2 says that Dubai International Airport and Dnata come with high operational costs attached. In fact, Dnata offers a variety of packages to suit all operators.

Dnata offers a premium service at the award-winning main cargo terminal in the Dubai Air Cargo Village. The ultra-modern terminal features facilities including well-equipped special storage, elevated transfer vehicles, build-up and break down stations, hydraulic-powered truck docks, sea air docks, and 4,500 storage positions. The terminal has set high standards for cargo handling with just six hours needed for general cargo, two hours for perishables and no more than one hour for express shipments.

But Dnata Cargo also offers alternative, custom designed, low-cost options at its Freezone Logistic Centre (FLC) located on the north side of the airport in the Dubai Airport Free Zone. This has been designed with flexibility in mind and caters to airline operators who want a tailor-made, no-frills and cost-effective service. The FLC provides an ideal climate for scheduled and charter operators with liberal and flexible operational facilities that ensure minimum ground time without compromising on service excellence. 

Myth 3 says that Dubai International Airport is inflexible. The fact is that Dnata lays special emphasis on flexibility in its services to the airline and cargo community. Mr Ennis points out: "We never say to customers 'We can't do that'. Instead we look for ways to accommodate their requirements."

Notes

The Airports Council International (ACI) has identified Dubai as the fastest growing airport in the Middle East and the sixth fastest in the world. Currently 105 scheduled airlines now connect Dubai to more than 130 world-wide destinations and new routes and new carriers are constantly being added to the list. Dubai Cargo Village's main terminal has grown from 350,000 tonnes to more than 600,000 tonnes per annum. Forecasts indicate that additional facilities will be required to handle over 1 million tonnes by 2005.