dnata breaks ground in Iraq on a $14 million cargo warehouse
The newest cargo facility at dnata will be able to process 100,000 tonnes of cargo per year, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, and dangerous goods.
dnata, a leading worldwide air and travel services provider, has begun construction on a new 20,000-square-meter cargo warehouse, which will significantly expand its operations at Erbil International Airport (EBL). The facility represents a US$14 million investment and will result in up to 50 extra direct employment with dnata in Iraq.
Jaffar Dawood, dnata's Senior Vice President for UAE and Iraq Airport Operations, recently laid the groundwork for the cargo storage, which is set to open in September 2024.
"We are delighted to expand our operations in response to the growing demand for our reliable and safe cargo services in Erbil," said Jaffar. "Our new facility will incorporate cutting-edge technologies and the latest carbon reduction initiatives in design and operation, ensuring the highest level of operational and environmental efficiency for our customers. We stay committed to the Iraqi aviation industry and continue to invest in our operations to contribute to the development of Erbil as a regional cargo hub."
The newest cargo facility at dnata will be able to process 100,000 tonnes of cargo per year, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, and dangerous goods. Within the facility, dnata will also deploy its advanced 'OneCargo' system, digitizing procedures and increasing efficiency throughout its shipping operations in Iraq.
The facility will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, such as thermal insulation, to minimize the building's environmental effect by minimizing CO2 production emissions and running expenses. A water harvesting system that recycles condensed water, low energy skylighting, and an all-electric forklift fleet are other ecologically beneficial elements.
dnata's latest expansion comes on the heels of the launch of a new, innovative cool chain plant and a bus servicing facility at EBL in 2022. With a workforce of over 400 aviation specialists, the firm now provides ground handling and cargo services to over 25 airlines.
In recent years, dnata has also made strategic investments in new cargo facilities in London and Manchester (UK), Karachi and Lahore (Pakistan), and Brussels (Belgium), Sydney (Australia), and Toronto (Canada) (Canada). Furthermore, in January of this year, the business announced a €200 million investment in one of the world's largest and most modern cargo facilities, dnata Cargo City Amsterdam, at Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands.
