Dubai World Central witnesses launch of Panalpina’s scheduled freighter service

• World’s leading supplier of forwarding and logistics services expands operations in Dubai World Central.
• Aerotropolis sees continued growth with arrival of Panalpina’s full all-cargo B747F aircraft at Al Maktoum International Airport

Following the successful opening of Al Maktoum International for cargo operations, Dubai World Central (DWC) announced today the launch of Panalpina’s scheduled freighter service.

One of the world’s leading logistics providers, Panalpina will use DWC’s state-of-the-art logistics facilities to expand their operations across the region.

With the arrival of a full, all-cargo B747F aircraft on October 15, 2010, the global forwarding and logistics group is connecting Luxembourg with Hong Kong twice weekly, via the new Dubai World Central, Al Maktoum International Airport. This is part of the freighter’s world rotation connecting Luxembourg, Dubai, South Africa, Hong Kong, North America and Latin America.

“Following the recent opening of Al Maktoum International and the ever-increasing demand for a world-class logistics environment, the successful opening of Panalpina’s freight operations highlights our commitment to providing integrated solutions for global logistics providers,” said Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation.

“Dubai World Central is uniquely positioned to meet the increasing demand for multi-modal logistics,” said Rashed Buqara’a, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Aviation City Corporation. “Panalpina is one of our many esteemed clients benefiting from Dubai World Central’s unparalleled facilities, strategic location, large capacity, and seamless transition of goods between sea, land and air.”

“We are very pleased with the extensive, purpose-built facilities at Dubai World Central,” said Claus Schmidt, Middle East Area Manager, Panalpina. “As one of the world’s leading suppliers of forwarding logistics services, the unique services DWC offers will play an integral role in expanding our footprint in the Middle East region. We believe that Dubai World Central is set to be an integrated logistics platform that will establish Dubai as the leading hub for the region.

“Panalpina looks forward to contributing to this growth through its global air freight network of hubs, sub-hubs and branches across more than 80 countries,” he added.

The 140-square kilometre Dubai World Central is part of the Dubai Government’s overall 2015 strategy to enhance the emirate’s transport and logistics services and capitalise on its geographical location to make Dubai a regional hub for logistics. Over 50 leading international companies have already committed to establish a base in DWC, with growing interest from a number of multinational companies.

The Panalpina group is one of the world’s leading suppliers of forwarding and logistics services, specialising in end-to-end supply chain management solutions and intercontinental air freight and ocean freight shipments.

The Group operates a close-knit network with some 500 branches in more than 80 countries. In a further 80 countries, it cooperates closely with partner companies. Panalpina employs about 14,000 people worldwide.