Archives



Air, Freight News


DP World opens Dominican air cargo hub

[ December 1, 2023   //   ]

DP World has started export operations at its new air cargo logistics hub in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The new facility, which was announced earlier in 2023, is a joint venture between DP World and the Punta Cana Free Trade Zone (PCFTZ), a subsidiary of Dominican business group Grupo Puntacana.

The zone includes an air cargo terminal, logistics centre, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, a fuel supply terminal, and a maintenance and repair workshop for aircraft, and a general service building. The additions expand upon the existing export warehouse, in-transit warehouse, and import warehouse.

DP World is currently transitioning operations to the new facilities; by the end of 2023, all air cargo operations in and out of were due to be centralized through this hub. Plans to expand into sea-air operations are in discussion several South American countries, including Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Chile.

At present, 60-70% of the cargo consists of perishables, primarily fruit and vegetables. Other commodities currently include machinery, automotive equipment and seafood, and there are plans to eventually diversify into the pharmaceutical, technology and ecommerce sectors.

Further capacity expansions are underway, with the logistic centre warehouse and manufacturing facilities currently under construction and projected to be operational by the second half of 2024.

DP World began operations in the Dominican Republic in 2003 with a seaport facility on the Punta Caucedo peninsula.

Chief operating officer of DP World Americas, Morten Johansen, said: “Our aim is to forge partnerships that boost national and regional connectivity. The greater the connectivity, through both air and sea routes, the more appealing our country becomes as a hub for manufacturing and logistics for companies in the Americas and beyond.

“The beginning of the early-stage operations in this advanced air cargo logistics center significantly broadens the range of services we can offer to our growing list of customers. This hub is poised to position the Dominican Republic prominently on the global stage as a key player in air cargo for a wide variety of products from across the region.

“Our aim is to forge partnerships that boost national and regional connectivity. The greater the connectivity, through both air and sea routes, the more appealing our country becomes as a hub for manufacturing and logistics for companies in the Americas and beyond.”

Tags: