| Work on the first runway of what will be the world’s
largest airport - Dubai World Central International Airport (JXB) - is on
target for completion in the last quarter of 2007.
“Progress is right on schedule with more than 10% of the four and a half
kilometer CAT III runway, which will be capable of handling the new
generation Airbus A380 aircraft, completed in the past four months alone,”
said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Aviation
Corporation – Dubai World Central, Government of Dubai.
“This first runway - of a final six - will enable JXB and Dubai Logistics
City (DLC) to commence operations as the world’s largest freighter airport
and cargo hub,” added Sheikh Ahmed.
Al Nabooda Contracting Company, which is building the runway - labeled
Runway 12/30 - have over 600 personnel on-site working on three parallel
taxiways and associated rapid exits, the airside road network and
infrastructure services such as airfield lighting, power, water, fire
fighting and drainage network.
JXB, at the core of the massive 140 square kilometre
Dubai World Central
(DWC) urban aviation community being built in Jebel Ali just 40 kilometres
from Dubai city centre, will be linked to the existing
Dubai International
Airport (DXB) via an express light rail system and dedicated road network.
A customs-bonded road and rail corridor between the two airports will
enable faster cargo and passenger exchanges than are currently available
between Jebel Ali port and free zone and DXB.
In conjunction with DLC and Jebel Ali port and free zone, JXB forms one
of the world’s first truly integrated multi-modal logistics platforms with
all transportation modes, logistics and value-added services, such as
product manufacturing and assembly, coming together in a single-bonded free
zone environment.
On completion, JXB will have two luxurious terminals - the first
dedicated to Emirates airline, the second catering to other regional and
international carriers. A third, highly functional terminal is earmarked for
low cost charter airlines. Dedicated facilities are also earmarked for
executive jet operators, details of which are expected to be announced later
this year.
The US$8.1 billion airport will have a capacity to handle 120 million
passengers and 12 million tons of cargo annually upon completion. |