Dubai, traffic figures released by Dubai Airports, the operator of Dubai's second airport Dubai World Central (DWC) stated that cargo volumes increased 153 per cent to 56,271 tonnes during the second quarter (Q2) of 2012 compared to 22,252 tonnes during the corresponding period last year.

Year to date cargo volumes increased 226 per cent to 106,333 tonnes compared to 32,634 tonnes during the same period in 2011. DWC’s air traffic movements witnessed a similar increase  in Q2. Aircraft movements rose 136 per cent to 3,961 from 1,676 recorded during Q2 2011. Year to date movements rose from 2,526 in the first half of 2011 to 7,474 in the first half of 2012 – an increase of 196 per cent.

According to the airport operator, the growth is mainly attributed to a number of large non-commercial contracts awarded late 2011 together with additional charter and scheduled services accomplished during the same year. During  the first half of the year the launch of three weekly flights from Riyadh by Saudi Airlines Cargo while May National Air Cargo of the U.S.operated its 1,000th flight to the airport. DWC currently has 36 operating carriers while negotiating with other operators.

Paul Griffiths, Dubai Airports' chief executive officer, said “Dubai Airports’ total cargo volumes are expected to top 4 million tonnes by 2020 and an increasing portion of that growth is expected to spill over to DWC. Right now we are seeing tremendous incremental growth as airlines come to recognise the many advantages that DWC offers them,” said . “The airport’s proximity to and bonded road connection with the free zone and port at Jebel Ali and the easy availability of take-off and landing slots are very attractive propositions for cargo carriers,” Griffiths added.