RSA National airside cargo terminal at DWC opened
RSA National, the joint venture between US-based National and UAE based RSA Global, opened the doors of its new, flagship air cargo terminal, located airside at Dubai World Central (DWC). In support of the UAE’s vision to become the world’s leading aviation and logistics hub, the opening of this multimodal smart transit hub for road, sea and air, will drive growth in the logistics sector, which is set to increase by 4.8% by 2021*. RSA National’s vision is to operate as a one-stop, boutique integrator offering multimodal supply chain solutions: specialising in innovative and quality services for its customers in established and emerging sectors as well as niche products including perishables and dangerous goods. To mark the occasion, an exclusive ceremony was held at RSA National’s new cargo terminal with the attendance of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports; President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority; Chairman and CEO of Emirates Group, and Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports.
Dubai is within an eight-hour flight of two thirds of the world cementing its strong position to lead the global logistics industry and help fulfil the UAE’s aviation and logistics vision for 2045 with RSA National playing an integral role. Its location on the Dubai Logistics Corridor linking DWC to Jebel Ali port reinforces its commitment to a multimodal approach for customers but through one single supplier. As an Authorised Economic Operator and with Dubai Police and Customs situated on-site, customers will experience faster clearances and inspection prioritisation for a smoother transaction.
RSA National specialises in innovative and tech forward solutions for the retail, ecommerce, and perishables sectors, as well as government and humanitarian programmes. All sectors are growing in this region due to its continued reliance on imported perishables and goods; the increased adoption of ecommerce; and the impact of preparing for, and running, Expo 2020 and other major events. The company has successfully completed 13,000 sq m of built up area, and has the ability to scale up within its 56,000 sq m footprint in DWC, in line with the growing demand forecast.
HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority said: “Today we are delighted to celebrate the inauguration of RSA National’s air cargo terminal at DWC. The RSA National air cargo terminal is an impressive and welcomed development and supports Dubai’s efforts to remain at the forefront of aviation and logistics globally.”
Abhishek Ajay Shah, Co-Founder and Group CEO of RSA Global said: “RSA Global is a home-grown brand and we have been inspired by the UAE leadership’s vision to build the aviation capital of the world. We believe the launch of RSA National’s flagship air cargo terminal is a game changer for the UAE’s aviation and logistics industry to claim the number one spot. We have designed this smart facility to deliver innovative multimodal, tech-forward supply chain solutions and plan to expand as the region’s demands grow. The sky’s the limit. “We are honoured to celebrate this moment in the presence of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports and all our distinguished guests.”
Jacob Matthew, President – ME and Pac Rim and Board Member, National said: “The completion of the first phase of the first commercial cargo terminal at DWC is an important step for RSA National in the context of the UAE aviation industry, a vital driving force of the country’s economic diversification plan. Non-oil sectors such as manufacturing, aviation and logistics are important contributors to the GDP with a contribution expected to account for nearly 90% of the economy by 2025. The cargo industry itself is witnessing major developments and recently recorded robust growth. Innovation in the transport industry is important, and as logistics providers with our own aircraft fleet, we constantly strive to improve efficiency around the movement of goods and also customer service.”
Paul Griffiths, CEO Dubai Airports said: “We have witnessed impressive freight growth at DWC since it first opened in 2010. The airport has quickly ascended the global rankings for international freight volumes and is now ranked in the top 20. We have achieved this by developing and implementing leading-edge customer centric processes, technology and infrastructure. RSA National’s innovative and tech forward mindset is fully aligned with this approach and we are honoured to celebrate this great achievement with them today.”