Virgin Atlantic, Delta Cargo to move into new dnata facility at Heathrow

Jan 18, 2019: Virgin Atlantic Cargo and Delta Cargo, joint venture partner airlines, are to move their cargo handling operators at London Heathrow into the new purpose-built dnata City East facility.

The move to the new facility is scheduled for the second half of 2019 and will ultimately increase the size of Virgin and Delta's cargo operation at Heathrow to 335,000 square feet.

The airlines highlighted that the new facility will allow customers to benefit from greater automation and faster truck and cargo handling times.

The airlines informed, "Inside the warehouse, investments in technology will enable staff using handheld devices to efficiently manage the flow of cargo, while the double-train ETV system will increase storage to 245 positions for pallets and containers. Customer trucks arriving at the facility will benefit from a new door management system, which enables drivers to complete paperwork at the gatehouse on arrival without leaving their vehicles and to then be immediately assigned to one of the facility's 18 cargo doors."

Virgin and Delta's cargo operations have been aligned under one-roof in the UK since June 2016.

Also, the airlines share cargo facilities at major US gateways, notably Atlanta, Boston, Miami, New York, Orlando, and Washington Dulles with the objective to create an enhanced customer proposition on both sides of the Atlantic.

Tania Boyes, director - Cargo Operations at Virgin Atlantic said: "At a time when Virgin Atlantic is achieving record volumes, this gives us a platform for long-term growth. We also wish to acknowledge dnata's foresight in working with us to make this possible."

Rafael Figueroa, Delta Cargo's managing director - Operations and Customer Experience added: "This state-of-the art facility will put the customer at the forefront with improved facilities and innovative technology solutions, as well as positioning Delta Cargo and Virgin Atlantic Cargo for future growth in this key market."