Emirates Flight Catering invests 40 million dollar to build the world’s largest vertical farming facility. In this facility, located near Dubai International Airport, the caterer plans to harvest 2,700 kilograms of leafy vegetables.
Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC) co-invests with the American company Crop One. They set up a joint venture for this project. Crop One Holding is said to be the world’s leading vertical farm operator.
Worldwide innovation hub
According to His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief Executive of Emirates Airline. This investment is in line with the wish of the United Arab Emirates to become self-sufficient in agriculture. The introduction of this pioneering vertical farming technology also improves Dubai’s position as a global innovation hub.
2,700 kilograms daily
When complete, the vertical farm facility will cover approximately 12.000 m2. According to Crop One the production output will be equivalent to 360 hectare of conventional farmland. At full production, the facility will harvest 2,700 kg of high quality, herbicide free and pesticide free leafy greens daily, using 99% less water than conventional outdoor fields.
The pinnacle of fresh
Because the production is right next to the location where the vegetables are used, being the preparation of meals for aviation passengers, carbon emissions associated with transport are substantially reduced. In addition, it guarantees the freshest vegetables that can be processed within hours of the harvest. The construction of the vertical farm will start in November 2018 and will take about a year to complete. The first products are expected to be delivered on the plates of Emirates Flight Catering customers, including 105 airlines and 25 airport lounges, in December 2019.
Source: Emirates Flight Catering Video: FreshBox Farms
