The facility, which will cover 130,000 sq ft, represents an investment of Dh146.8 million ($40 million). The memorandum of collaboration (MoC) marks an important milestone in the two companies’ long-standing partnership. Khalifa Suhail Al Zaffin, executive chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation: "The construction and operations of the world’s largest vertical farm in Dubai South will benefit the district and airlines flying from Al Maktoum International Airport and Dubai International Airport, where Emirates Flight Catering is considered one of the leading partners in the aviation industry. The location of the farm in the aviation district will ensure quick delivery and high quality of the produce.”
The construction of the facility is scheduled to start in November and will take approximately one year to complete. According to tradearabia.com¸ the first products are expected to be delivered to Emirates Flight Catering’s customers including 105 airlines and 25 airport lounges, in December 2019.
At full production, the vertical farm facility will harvest 2,700 kg of high-quality, herbicide-free and pesticide-free leafy greens daily, using 99 per cent less water than traditional farms.
The proximity of the farm to the point of consumption will substantially reduce carbon emissions. It will also ensure the quick delivery of the fresh products, reaching customers within hours of harvest, maintaining high nutritional values.
