The Dubai International Airport DXB is experiencing unrelenting growth, with expected 90 million passengers in 2018. In order to cope with this growth, Dubai Airports have launched the Strategic Program SP 2020; the program includes the implementation of new concourses, aircraft stands, cargo facilities, but also needs to streamline and optimise logistics operations within the airport. Only this way it can be ensured that future bottlenecks in air-side operations can be prevented. In collaboration with W.S. Atkins, ADI supported Dubai Airports to establish the Logistics Master Plan 2020 as an action program for developing and implementing improvements in logistics infrastructure, facilities, processes and systems.
A large number of organisations perform logistics operations on the air-side, such as various groups of ground operations (baggage, passenger, cargo transport), catering, suppliers, staff transport etc. – all closely interacting with the airports air traffic control, stand planning and other sections. Thus, the project team engaged with a wide variety of stakeholders to understand the specific current processes which take place on the airside at Dubai International, and the restrictions from current layout and available space. This way it could be ensured that solutions are in line with the future requirements. As a result, the Logistics Master Plan provides an array of recommendations and actions for Dubai Airports to take forward as short term solutions and medium to long term measures to increase efficiency and improve operations at Dubai International.
The new Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central DWC is also managed by Dubai Airports. This fact leads to further opportunities for relieving pressure from DXB – the project team for instance analysed the collaboration of the two airports in cargo operations and the effect this will have on the DXB air-side logistics. Furthermore, many of the solutions and ideas developed for DXB can be applied to the new airport, most likely with an even stronger effect as the concepts can be considered as part of an all-new planning.
