DP World Takes Flight: Air Cargo Logistics Hub to Land in Dominican Republic

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The Dubai-based maritime behemoth DP World is investigating end-to-end supply chains

DP World, a maritime behemoth headquartered in Dubai, is expanding its end-to-end supply chain operations by establishing a new air cargo logistics hub in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. A partnership between DP World and Punta Cana Free Trade Zone (PCFTZ), a subsidiary of Grupo Puntacana, is establishing the facility.

Air, Land, and Sea Cargo Infrastructure Multimodal

The hub will include a new logistics center and infrastructure platforms equipped to handle multimodal air, land, and sea cargo. It is anticipated that operations will commence in the second quarter of 2023.

Utilizing the expertise of DP World and the connectivity of Punta Cana International Airport

The logistics center will leverage DP World's multimodal cargo management and logistics expertise in the Dominican Republic, as well as Punta Cana International Airport's (PUJ) connectivity to global distribution centers. In 2003, DP World began operations in the Dominican Republic at its port facility on the Punta Caucedo peninsula, a strategic location for the redistribution of cargo in the Caribbean, the United States, Central America, and South America.

Regional commerce planning and economic development

In addition, the agreement aims to implement a regional commerce strategy to attract a greater volume of re-export and import cargo to and from the world's largest commercial, industrial, technological, and agricultural markets. Additionally, the project aims to increase investments in logistics services, boost demand for logistics-related labor, and stimulate economic growth and diversification in the Dominican Republic.

Morten Johansen, CEO of DP World's Dominican Republic operation, stated, "This new air cargo logistics center with the Punta Cana Free Trade Zone enables us to provide a broader range of services to our increasingly diverse customer base, thereby enhancing the country's competitiveness... The more connectivity we can generate, whether by air or sea, the more attractive the Dominican Republic will be to manufacturing and logistics firms throughout the Americas and the world."

Aiming to be the most important logistics hub in the region

Grupo Puntacana's chairman and founder, Frank Elas Rainieri, stated that the new air hub venture would capitalize on Punta Cana's expanding transportation infrastructure and accelerate the Dominican Republic's transformation into the region's most important logistics hub.

Investing and Fintech Innovation

About $200 million will be invested in the PCFTZ to host cargo logistics operations and offices for the development of the Punta Cana Hub for innovation and fintech companies, including an experienced aircraft maintenance and repair organization (MRO).

Freight forwarders investing in air cargo

In recent years, a number of shipping companies have invested in air cargo. In April last year, AP Moller-Maersk launched its air cargo business, while rival shipping lines CMA CGM and MSC also launched air cargo businesses.

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