Dubai-based air services provider dnata has expanded its operations at London Heathrow airport (LHR) by opening a new cargo centre.
The new cargo facility, which is part of the ‘dnata City East’ complex, will facilitate smooth handling of goods at the airport.
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Covering an area of 10,500m², the new facility (Phase II) will run alongside dnata City East’s existing facility (Phase I), which was launched in September 2019.
With the inauguration of the new cargo facility at LHR, dnata City East has now become the largest off-site cargo handling operation at the UK’s largest commercial aviation hub.
Currently, dnata City East manages all air freight of Virgin Atlantic Cargo and Delta Cargo. The new facility will be used by the company to manage all imports while Phase I will handle all exports.
The two facilities at dnata City East, located south of LHR, are said to have been designed to serve the operational needs of dnata and also meet the requirements of the two airline companies.
The company noted that its facility is equipped with solar photovoltaics (PV) panels, air-source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support carbon reduction initiatives.
In addition to dnata City East, the Dubai-based air services provider offers cargo services from eight facilities at LHR.
dnata UK Airport Operations managing director Alex Doisneau said: “We are excited to announce the completion of dnata City East, a truly world-class facility.
“Our newest cargo complex offers bespoke solutions, industry-leading technology and enhanced cargo capacity supporting our customers in achieving sustainable growth at the UK’s busiest airport.
“We thank Virgin Atlantic Cargo and Delta Cargo for their support, loyalty and trust in our services. We continue to go the extra mile to consistently provide the highest level of service and safety across our operations, every day.“
Last year, dnata handled more than 500,000 tonnes of cargo in London.
