dnata, one of the world’s largest air services providers, has reached a key milestone in its operation at Dubai World Central (DWC), handling over one million ton air freight since its first full year of operation in 2011.

In just five years, dnata has seen a 90 percent increase in freight volume, recording 170,260 tons in 2015, up from 89,729 tons in 2011. The performance has far exceeded the original growth forecast of 20 percent.

While expected to be the largest airport in the world once completed, dnata has already had the privilege of handling a range of “unique and unusual” cargo at Dubai World Central.

This includes the world’s largest piece of cargo, a 95 ton gas turbine bound for a government project in northern Nigeria; a variety of prototype, racing, classic and luxury cars, an original Batmobile brought in for an auto show; as well as relief shipments from the regional World Health Organisation destined for Pakistan, Yemen and Iraq.

Bernd Struck, dnata’s SVP, UAE Cargo, said: “This is a hugely significant milestone for all of us at Dubai World Central. The growth we have experienced over the last five years is thanks to not only dnata, but the combined hard work and commitment of Dubai Airports and all of the stakeholders involved in creating a world-class logistics platform with unparalleled connectivity, speed and efficiency.”

Key growth factors include strategic location, slot free, growth capacity, cost efficient, infrastructure, 24/7 operations, and the recently introduced elevating transfer vehicles (ETV) system with 302 built-up pallet storage capacity.

“Since first opening for cargo operations in June 2010 DWC has rapidly ascended airport rankings for international freight volumes and now sits in the top 20 worldwide,” said Majed Al-Joker, Dubai Airports’ SVP operations, DWC.