Staff Reporter
Muscat, Feb 21
The air cargo terminal of the new Muscat International Airport will be operational from March 19, said the Ministry of Transport and Communications. Goods can be collected from the new cargo terminal from this date, while the freight will continue to be delivered to the old cargo terminal until March 29, after which all operations will be limited to the new building.
The ministry, in coordination with Oman Aviation Services Company (OASC), a subsidiary of Oman Air Group, and all aviation stakeholders, is making all efforts to ensure smooth transition of operations to the new cargo terminal.
Dr Mohammed bin Nasser al Zaabi, CEO, Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA), said the construction work of the new air cargo building has been completed.
Testing of some technical equipment is being carried out by the operational readiness teams of the new airport.
The building, ideally situated taking into account the positions of freight aircraft, is equipped with the latest technology keeping in mind the growth in the volume of cargo movements.
The new cargo terminal building is spread over 32,000 sqm, including the warehouse area of 23,000 sqm, with a capacity to handle up to 350,000 tonnes a year.
OASC will be responsible for the management of cargo traffic at Muscat International Airport.
Al Zaabi said an integrated media plan has been drawn up for raising awareness among customers about the shifting of operations for receiving as well as delivery of goods.
Dr Khalfan bin Saeed al Shueili, CEO, OASC, said the plan to transfer freight from the current building to the new building will look into movement of goods, including the delivery process, during the transition period.
The building is equipped with an automated cargo handling system that allows for smooth handling of cargo containers.
It has two cranes with advanced technology for the orderly transport and storage of goods.
The building is fully air-conditioned. Special refrigerators will be able to store products such as imported fruits, vegetables, frozen meat and pharma products that might be affected by extreme temperatures, especially during summer.
The new 2,500 sqm lifestock cargo facility will be able to ensure animals are well cared for before they are transported or delivered.
The warehouse building has storage facilities for dangerous goods and radioactive materials.
These facilities store these shipments in a safe and isolated environment, away from the rest of the goods.
Special rooms are available for storing foods of high value.
The cargo building is fully equipped with security and surveillance systems that operate round the clock.
The building will also include offices for ministries concerned, the ROP and other government agencies, airlines and shipping companies.
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