The new warehouse will double the airlines’ existing cargo footprint and thus support their growing cargo businesses, as well as enhance their trans-Atlantic partnership for customers and “future-proof” their position in the UK market.
Virgin and Delta’s cargo operations have been aligned under one-roof in the UK since June 2016 and the two share US cargo facilities in Atlanta, Boston, Miami, New York, Orlando, and Washington Dulles, amongst other locations.
The move to the new facility – scheduled for the second half of 2019 - will see Virgin and Delta’s cargo operation at Heathrow increase to 335,000 square feet and will see customers benefit from greater automation and faster truck and cargo handling times.
Inside the warehouse, investments in handheld technology will enable staff to efficiently manage the flow of cargo, while storage will be increased to 245 positions for pallets and containers. Trucks arriving will benefit from a new door management system, enabling drivers to complete paperwork and be immediately assigned one of the facility’s 18 cargo doors without leaving their vehicles. Further benefits will be gained in the temperature-controlled healthcare and life science segments, with a dedicated perishables zone and an enlarged AVI centre for live animals.
Tania Boyes, Director – Cargo Operations at Virgin Atlantic, said: “Moving into dnata City East will be a game changer for us and our joint venture with Delta Cargo. It will not only double our capacity at Heathrow and provide space to grow, it reinforces our commitment to be easier to do business with, to use new technologies and automation to simplify and improve our customer experience, and to leverage our partnerships. At a time when Virgin Atlantic is achieving record volumes, this gives us a platform for long-term growth. We also wish to acknowledge dnata’s foresight in working with us to make this possible.”
Gary Morgan, dnata’s CEO in the UK, stated: “dnata’s relationship with Virgin Atlantic Cargo spans more than 30 years and has, most recently, been enhanced by Virgin’s joint venture with Delta Cargo. As a key partner, we are excited to be supporting the growth of both airlines by not only investing in this brand new facility but by also embracing their commitment to using new technologies to achieve service efficiencies and benefits for their customers.”