Recently built Dubai Flower Centre’s (DFC) capacity of 180,000 tonnes per year (tpy) will establish it as one of the defining links in the global cool chain, the chief of Dubai’s civil aviation department and chairman of Emirates Group, has said.

Dubai has already been recognized as a leading transshipment point for many products including perishables. The setting up of the Dh257 million ($70-million) DFC will give an additional boost to the overall cargo handling capacity at the Dubai International Airport,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
Dubai International Airport handled 1.3 million tonnes of cargo in 2005 and the figure is expected to increase by 1.5 million tonnes this year.
“The handling of perishable products is one area that was not adequately covered till recently. But with the commissioning of the DFC we are sure the perishables trade will benefit within the GCC region and beyond,” Sheikh Ahmed said. The DFC is supported by Dnata Cargo and its DACS+ system (Chameleon) terminal handling activities to ensure efficient transfer of perishable cargo. Rapid and efficient handling is aided by a fully automatic system that safeguards quality and maximises shelf life. At the moment all perishable transit cargo from Emirates is being handled by DFC.
Perishables are set to become increasingly important to airlines, airports and logistics companies in the coming years, said Sheikh Ahmed. 
“Nearly 15 per cent of world cargo is now perishable and the market is growing at 7.1 per cent annually, quicker than any other sector in global airfreight. The DFC is an exceptional state-of the-art facility that will capture this future growth from its base at the heart of Dubai International Airport. Moreover DFC is the only place to trade, store and add-value to perishables in the Middle East and beyond because of its superior processes, facilities and technology. So we are sure DFC will contribute immensely to the growth of this sector worldwide.”
Dubai World Central, which will be the world’s first truly integrated single-bond multi-modal logistics transport platform, will be linked to Dubai International Airport, the Dubai Flower Centre and Jebel Ali Port and Free Zone by dedicated road and high-speed express rail links.
Sheikh Ahmed observed that logistics companies and airlines would be able to move freight and passengers between land, sea and air, all from one location, without ever having to leave the bonded free zone environment. “So, future capacity expansion may not be an issue for DFC. In combination with the Dubai Flower Centre and Dubai Cargo Village, the new Dubai Logistics City in Dubai World Central will serve the needs of every transport mode, logistics need and value-adding operation in the supply chain,” he said.
The DFC operates from within a free-zone environment and incorporates the latest technology and processes.  International traders can establish offices and warehouses for added-value services such as sorting, repackaging, bouquet making and packaging for supermarkets. The centre also acts as a one-stop shop for local and international buyers, traders and exporters.