Construction has begun on Emirates SkyCargo' s (new state-ofthe-art cargo terminal and supporting facilities at Dubai World Central (DWC) Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the home of its freighter operations from May 2014. In addition to the cargo terminal, various facilities and infrastructure will be built including 46 truck docks and 80 truck parking spaces, 12 aircraft stands directly in front of the terminal, while additional interface facilities - east and west cross docks - will be built at DWC Al Maktoum International Airport. Construction company, Amana Steel Buildings Contracting LLC, was awarded the contract and recently started with the foundation work for the cargo terminal, with the first phase to be completed in December 2013. Following the completion of the first phase, the cargo handling system and the interior will be fitted, with the first section to be delivered to Emirates by the beginning of April next year and full completion by mid-September. The terminal will have an initial capacity to manage 700 000 tonnes of cargo per annum, which can be expanded to meet future growth. It also provides Emirates with the space to have a larger perishables handling area, with a dedicated pharmaceutical storage area, enabling it to expand its cool chain products and services.