amad International Airport (HIA) has announced that Cargolux and Etihad Airways have moved their cargo operations from Doha International Airport ( DIA ) to HIA. Cargo flights commenced from today (Tuesday 20th May) and Sunday 18th May, respectively.
Boasting one of the most sophisticated cargo terminals in the industry, HIA is a platform for the expanding global freight business, providing seamless and efficient services to customers and cargo carriers around the world. The new cargo handling facility promises to set new standards of service and quality not only in the GCC region, but globally.
Etihad Airways began operating their freight services from HIA on Sunday 18th May. Flight EY913 departed Abu Dhabi International Airport at 1800 and arrived into HIA at 1930. Etihad ‘s EY914, the first freight flight to take off from HIA, departed at 2130, and arrived into Abu Dhabi International Airport at 2300.
HIA will expand its cargo services today as Cargolux commence operating from the new airport with the first freighter CV7842 leaving Luxembourg Airport at 0645 and arriving into HIA at 1400. The Cargolux freighter then departs from HIA at 1620, continuing onto Singapore Changi Airport and arriving at 2100.
Abdulaziz Al-Mass, Senior Manager, Public Relations and Communications, HIA, said: “Following the historic opening of the Cargo Terminal Complex at HIA with the first Qatar Airways Cargo shipment on December 1st 2013, today marks our expansion of cargo services at HIA as Etihad Airways and Cargolux commence operations for the first time. This milestone is a stepping stone in transferring all freight operations from DIA to HIA.
We cannot wait for our customers to experience the new swift, convenient and efficient cargo solutions at HIA, in what will be one of the most sophisticated and largest cargo terminals in the world that will make Doha the preferred cargo hub in the region.” Located in the midfield area, HIA’s cargo terminal will be capable of simultaneously handling 5,700 shipments and up to 1.4 million tonnes of cargo annually. Upon completion of the second terminal, capacity for processing will increase to 2.5 million tonnes of cargo making it almost the largest cargo terminal in the world.
The two-floor cargo facility incorporates warehouse spaces, Automated Systems / Retrieval Systems (ARAS) mezzanine, offices and shops. The split-level facility covers 55,000 square metres, boasts 11 wide-body aircraft standing bays, 42 loading docks and 31 landside truck-loading facilities. With advanced scanning technology, it will ensure the complete safety and security of the facility, its staff and cargo.
This latest announcement is part of the phased opening of HIA following the soft opening on April 30th and the upcoming full opening on May 27th.
Source : Qatar News Agency
