Work on the first runway at the world’s largest airport - Dubai World Central International Airport (JXB) - is on target for completion in the last quarter of 2007. Runway progress at World’s largest airport ready for testing Q4 2007

“Progress is right on schedule with more than 10 per cent of the four and a half kilometre CAT III runway, which will be capable of handling the new generation Airbus A380 aircraft, completed in the past four months alone,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Aviation Corporation - Dubai World Central, Government of Dubai.

‘This first runway - of a final six - will enable JXB and Dubai Logistics City (DLC) to commence operations as the world’s largest freighter airport and cargo hub,’ continued Sheikh Ahmed.

Al Nabooda Contracting Company, which is building the runway - labelled Runway 12/30 - have over 600 personnel on-site working on three parallel taxiways and associated rapid exits, the airside road network and infrastructure services such as airfield lighting, power, water, fire fighting and drainage network.

JXB, at the core of the massive 140 square kilometre Dubai World Central (DWC) urban aviation community being built in Jebel Ali just 40 kilometres from Dubai city centre, will be linked to the existing Dubai International Airport (DXB) via an express light rail system and dedicated road network.

A customs-bonded road and rail corridor between the two airports will enable faster cargo and passenger exchanges than are currently available between Jebel Ali port and free zone and DXB.

In conjunction with DLC and Jebel Ali port and free zone, JXB forms the world’s first truly integrated multi-modal logistics platform with all transportation modes, logistics and value-added services, such as product manufacturing and assembly, coming together in a single-bonded free zone environment.

On completion, JXB will have two luxurious terminals - the first dedicated to Emirates airline, the second catering to other regional and international carriers. A third, highly functional terminal is earmarked for low cost charter airlines. Dedicated facilities are also earmarked for executive jet operators, details of which will be announced later this year.

The US$8.1 billion airport will have a capacity to handle 120 million passengers and 12 million tons of cargo annually upon completion.
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