Momberger

Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics services arm of the Etihad Aviation Group, have announced a major project to develop Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) into a state-of-the-art global air cargo centre of excellence. The partners will implement a multi-phased cargo infrastructure development strategy, starting with the imminent upgrade of Etihad’s existing air cargo terminal facilities on the southside airport perimeters. The programme will culminate with the inauguration of Etihad Cargo’s future home, a new state-of-the-art air cargo terminal in the airport’s East Midfield section, an area designated by Abu Dhabi Airports for future integrated cargo, logistics and integrator activities. The plans revealed that the first phase, the upgrading of Etihad’s southside cargo facilities, is due for completion in phases by the end of 2020. The scope includes the enhancement of RFS loading docks with levellers, insulation and floor works for faster and more efficient loading with stricter temperature controls, increased storage space and additional build-up and breakdown zones to improve production workflow, and upgraded cool chain facilities for both its fresh and pharma handling and storage operations. This phase will not only increase efficiency and productivity in the existing facilities to support air cargo growth at AUH for the coming five years, but it will also enhance Etihad’s pharmaceutical logistics capability through a dedicated Pharma Terminal, adding 3,500 m² of space for temperature-controlled handling and storage across both 2-8 C° and 15-25 C° categories. This further complements Etihad Cargo’s recent success in the domain, having become the first airline in the Middle East to gain CEIV Pharma certification for both its airline and terminal operations. The team will soon be inviting expressions of interest to bid for the design and construction of Etihad Cargo’s state-of-the-art, next-generation facility that will mark the creation of one of the world’s most advanced and automated air cargo terminals. The facility will be designed to handle incremental U.A.E. import and export demand, boost Etihad’s growing cargo network flows as well as cater for the significant rise in E-commerce and express mail and cargo operations. Brian Thompson, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Geographically, Abu Dhabi is situated at the heart of the east to west trade routes. Additionally, the transport and logistics fabric of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is well planned and structured to create undeniable potential to grow the cargo traffic exponentially. Today we are putting in place the right foundations and frameworks for our future cargo activity, which in a few years will re-shape this industry for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi - the future cargo hub for the region and the world.” Tony Douglas, Group CEO, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Today’s announcement is a major milestone in the development of Etihad Cargo’s logistics strategy that will see our hub continue to grow as one of the world’s most important trade facilitators connecting East and West. The immediate investment in the southside terminal will deliver a step change in the efficiency and capability of our existing facilities, while the announcement of the development of a new facility re-enforces Etihad’s commitment to develop Abu Dhabi as a world class hub for the logistics of the future.” -- In addition, Abu Dhabi Airports is setting the groundworks for the first phase of a bonded, non-bonded and free-zone area adjoining the airport, designated as ‘Al Falah Free Zone’, which it will develop as a prime location for ecommerce fulfilment and Logistics warehousing. The goal is to transform the nation’s capital into a globally recognized, multi-modal cargo hub driving sustainable economic growth in the Emirate. #1130.3