Lionel Smith, CEO of Air Cargo Integrators, has had a pretty good run for the past few years, operating out of the Dubai International Airport Freight Gate, where full freighters to Iraq and Afghanistan were a sure thing and about as close as you could get to a permit to print your own money.
      But changing times call for new strategies and Lionel, an old cargo pro, read the tea leaves or saw the handwriting on the wall. Some years back, he cast his lot into an all new cargo center for ACI at Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central), the place where Emirates SkyCargo has based its big global freighter fleet.
      “Stronger tomorrow, starting today,” Lionel said softly.
      “At ACI, customer experience will always be the heart of our operations.
      “Our blueprint of tomorrow lies in strengthening our outlook and investing in our future today.
      “We strive to achieve excellence for all our customer's needs.
      “With our resourceful team of logistics professionals, an extensive global network, and strong, technological backing, we are prepared for the future by building a strong foundation today.”

Puts Money Where Mouth Is

      With allocation of 15,000 sq. meters of land in Dubai World Central, ACI is at the 2nd phase of construction building state-of-the-art freight forwarding warehousing facilities to facilitate air/sea and road movements globally.
      “The operation will feature 8,000 sq. meters of closed warehouse built on 15,000 sq. meters of allocated land. ACI DWC will be custom bonded and have CFS status to take care of consolidation and deconsolidation services for LCL (Loose Container Loads) service in/out of UAE.
      “The scope is for 3PL tailor-made warehousing.”

Service Widens

      “With freight forwarding now as one of our core activities, we are expanding our services to offer 3PL logistics, removals, project cargo forwarding, in bound and outbound logistics, and complementary services requiring similar infrastructure and capabilities.
      “Adding these essential services to our portfolio will turn into viable profit centers contributing to the continual growth of our business while offering excellent service to existing customers and the respective industries. They will help make ACI one of the finest integrated Global Logistics Solutions Companies headquartered in the Middle East.”

The Vision Thing     “As Charter Brokers & Neutral Cargo consolidators since 2001, ACI has had constant demands for logistical solutions from its extensive database of customers.
      “In 2014, after an in-depth feasibility in view of expansion of services, ACI began to develop the infra-structural capabilities of providing professional freight forwarding and logistical services to its direct customer base.
      “ACI's vision is to be a Global Logistics Solutions provider offering a multitude of services to meet customer business needs.
      “Our new facilities will initially operate and service our existing customers' requirements with sufficient equipment and staff to satisfy on hand jobs and immediate requirements.”
      ACI, as a logistic solutions provider, is committed to:

      • Delivering customized solutions
      • Investing in technology and people
      • Complying with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements
      • Enhancing portability
      • Providing end-to-end supply chain services through an efficient global WCA network

Got What It Takes

      “Innovation is one of our core strengths backed by customized solutions that add flexibility and value to your supply chain,” Lionel insists.
      “Our envisioned multi-model option of air & sea provides a combination of speed & economy.
      “In this business, there is no standing still.
      “We're passionate about improving our customer's experiences and solving even the most complex business problems.
      “We don't just believe in offering Supply Chain Management Solutions, but also supporting you with innovation. Our team goes that extra mile to ensure that your goods reach you on time so you have no interruptions in daily business processes,” Lionel Smith said.
Geoffrey