The electric tugs will be integral in dnata Brazil’s operations, ensuring the smooth delivery of baggage between airline customers’ aircraft and the GRU airport terminal. dnata’s latest fleet upgrade is expected to prevent the release of over 420 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions annually, equivalent to over 1.7 million kilometres driven by an average petrol-powered car.

Phil McGrane, CEO of dnata Brazil, said: “We are proud to enhance our offering with a significant investment in our electric fleet. Our new vehicles will help us continue to deliver the highest level of service and safety, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout our ramp operations.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners to further improve environmental efficiency in the Brazilian aviation industry. This includes strong collaboration with the infrastructure providers, whose investment is crucial for advancing the electrification of GSE fleets." 

dnata: a leading ground services provider in Brazil

As one of Brazil’s leading ground services providers, dnata operates at 29 airports in the country.  It serves more than 15 airlines with a team of 5,000 local aviation professionals, handling over 200,000 aircraft turnarounds annually.

Transforming fleet and minimising fuel consumption

dnata consistently invests in its modern fleet to improve environmental efficiency globally. Its fleet strategy commits to phasing out diesel-operated engines and switching to hybrid, electric, or hydrogen wherever airports have provided the necessary infrastructure.

dnata also maintains a strong focus on minimising fuel consumption. It monitors the consumption of fuel across its fleet of ground support equipment (GSE) using Vehicle Tracking Management systems; conducts logistics mapping exercises to ensure minimal distances are travelled airside; and optimises shifts and parking slots to avoid excessive fuel burn.

In addition, it tracks the behaviour of drivers, including idling times, and has key performance indicators linked to the environmental management system. dnata promotes more responsible driver behaviour through education, awareness and training.

Significant improvements across global businesses

dnata has recently reported significant improvements across key environmental performance metrics for the financial year 2023-24. The company cut the carbon intensity of its operations by over 8%, 22% and 26% across its airport operations, travel and catering businesses, respectively. All data has been validated by Verifavia, an independent accredited environmental verification and auditing body.

dnata is a leading global air and travel services provider. Established in 1959, the company offers quality and safe ground handling, cargo, travel, catering and retail services in over 30 countries across six continents. In the financial year 2023-24, dnata’s customer-oriented teams handled over 778,000 aircraft turns, moved 2.9 million tonnes of cargo, uplifted 123 million meals, and recorded a total transaction value (TTV) of travel services of US$ 2.4 billion.

Phil has been with dnata for over 10 years. Since last July, he has overseen dnata Brazil’s operations at 29 airports as Acting CEO, managing a team of 5,000 local aviation professionals. In his previous position as Chief Commercial Officer, he was responsible for leading all of the company’s commercial activities, including business development and customer relations.

Phil has over 30 years’ experience in the aviation and transport industries. Prior to joining dnata he held various senior roles, supporting the commercial operations and growth of globally renowned companies in the Middle East, USA and Europe.

David Barker, Divisional Senior Vice President, Airport Operations, said: “Phil has made a significant contribution to dnata’s business in Brazil over the past decade. His strong leadership skills, commercial mindset and customer-centric approach make him the right person to lead the company through its next phase of growth in the country.

“Phil’s appointment is a reflection of our commitment to promoting from within and recognising the contributions and achievements of our high-performing colleagues.” 

In recent years dnata has significantly expanded its footprint in Brazil. It currently operates at 29 airports in the country, serving more than 15 airlines. In 2022, dnata acquired the remaining 30% stake to assume full ownership of dnata Brazil and has further plans to enhance its operations across South America.

As one of the world’s largest air and travel services providers, dnata offers ground handling, cargo, travel and catering & retail services at over 130 airports in more than 30 countries across six continents. 

The extension of the contract will see dnata continue to provide a range of passenger, ramp and baggage services to the airline, ensuring a seamless airport experience for over 19 million passengers and safe and timely departure of up to 133,000 flights annually across 20 airports in Brazil. 

dnata’s latest contract win cements its position as the leading ground services provider in Brazil.

David Barker, dnata’s Divisional Senior Vice President for Airport Operations, said: “We are proud to extend our successful partnership with GOL Airlines across their extensive Brazilian operations. We will continue to work hard to provide the highest level of quality and safety for the airline and its customers, every day.”

André Cruz, GOL's COO, said: “dnata is an important partner for GOL since 2016, providing excellent services in more than 20 cities in Brazil. This extension strengthens even more our partnership and offers to our customers the best airport experience.”

dnata has recently increased its investment in Brazil to become the sole shareholder of its local subsidiary. In recent years dnata Brazil has significantly expanded its footprint in the country and currently serves more than 15 airlines at 29 airports with a team of 5,000 local aviation professionals.

David Barker added:  “Our increased investment in Brazil underscores our commitment to the South American market, our highly-trained team and global customers. We see excellent growth opportunities and strong demand for our reliable and safe services across the continent. We will seize opportunities to further enhance our offering and consistently deliver world-class quality in Brazil and beyond.

“Globally, we will continue to go the extra mile to be the most admired air and travel services provider and an employer of choice in every market we operate in.“

dnata offers ground handling, cargo, travel, catering and retail services in 37 countries across six continents. In the financial year 2021-22, dnata’s customer-oriented teams handled over 527,000 aircraft turns, moved 3 million tonnes of cargo, uplifted 39.9 million meals, and recorded a total transaction value (TTV) of travel services of US$ 632 million.

“We are delighted to be awarded IATA’s ISAGO Registration in Brazil,” said Ricardo Morrison, CEO, dnata Brazil. “Safety is a fundamental tenet of our operations. We are committed to achieving the highest industry standards, and consistently promote a safe culture through systematic processes, training and leadership communications. We continue to invest in our people, processes and technology to deliver world-class safety and services for our customers and their passengers.”

dnata provides ramp, passenger handling and security services to more than 30 airlines at 26 airports in Brazil. The company’s customer-oriented team in the country consists of over 4,000 local aviation professionals, who ensure the smooth operations of more than 220,000 flights a year.

ISAGO is an audit program for ground-handling companies serving airlines at airports covering the areas of organization and management, load control, passenger and baggage handling, aircraft handling and loading and aircraft ground movement. It offers benefits to airlines, ground handlers, regulatory as well as airport authorities. These include safer ground operations, fewer accidents and injuries, elimination of redundant audits, reduced costs, less damage and fewer audits, a uniform audit process and harmonized standards, improved safety oversight, harmonized auditor training and qualifications, improved quality standards, and enhanced understanding of high-risk areas within ground operations.

Emirates operates one daily flight between Dubai and Sao Paulo using the A380 aircraft. It also operates a daily service between Dubai and Rio de Janeiro with a connection to Buenos Aires using the Boeing 777 aircraft. In April, dnata will also extend its support to include the ground handling requirements for Emirates in Rio de Janeiro.

dnata Brazil handles over 15,000 flights per month across its network of 27 stations.  It has an extensive Ground Services Equipment (GSE) fleet, being the most modern in Brazil, and a workforce of over 3,000 staff.

RM Ground Services, which was founded by Ricardo Morrison in 2004, operates at more airports in Brazil than any ground handling company. It offers passenger and ramp handling as well as cargo services. The company has 2,100 employees, serves over 400 flights a day at 24 airports across the country, and is highly-regarded for the quality of its operations and staff. 

The company’s domestic clients include GOL, AZUL, Avianca and TAM Airlines. RM also provides services to international airlines and major cargo carriers. 

“The purchase of RM Ground Services is an important milestone for dnata. This latest acquisition opens the door for dnata to serve one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation regions, South America. We look forward to building on the excellent foundations that already exist at RM Ground Services. We have found a great partner and passionate aviation expert in Ricardo Morrison,” said Stewart Angus, dnata’s Divisional Senior Vice President of International Airport Operations. 

Under the deal, the Recife-based company will be rebranded to dnata, and Ricardo Morrison will continue as CEO. All current staff will also remain with the company. 

“We are pleased to partner with dnata to bring a new range of services, products and knowledge to our customers in Brazil. dnata’s commitment to service excellence, safety, security and technology will improve not only the experience for our airline customers, but also for the passengers who travel with them. Together, we will enhance the expertise of our staff and the quality of our services to levels that have not been seen before in the region,” said CEO Ricardo Morrison. 

The acquisition of RM Ground Services closely follows other recent high-profile transactions by dnata, including the investment in ground handling operations in Milan and cargo facilities at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. 

Established in 1959, dnata ensures the aviation industry operates smoothly and efficiently in 79 airports across the Middle East, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, North America and now South America. Offering ground handling, cargo, travel, and flight catering services, dnata is a trusted partner for over 380 airline customers around the world.

Founded by Ricardo Morrison in 2004, RM Ground Services operates at more airports in Brazil than any other ground handling company in the country. It offers passenger and ramp handling as well as cargo services. The company has 2,100 employees, serves over 400 flights a day at 24 airports across the nation, and is highly regarded for the quality of its operations and staff.

The company’s domestic clients include GOL, AZUL, Avianca and TAM Airlines. RM Ground Services also provides services to international airlines and major cargo carriers. Ricardo Morrison will continue as the CEO as will the other staff, but the company is being rebranded as dnata.

“We are pleased to partner with dnata to bring a new range of services, products and knowledge to our customers in Brazil. dnata’s commitment to service excellence, safety, security and technology will improve not only the experience for our airline customers, but also for the passengers who travel with them. Together, we will enhance the expertise of our staff and the quality of our services to levels that have not been seen before in the region,” said CEO Ricardo Morrison.

Brazil aviation highlights:

• Brazil has 2500 airports, the second largest after the US in terms of number of airports in a country
• Brazil has experienced 39% passenger growth since 2010 and this is expected to double by 2020
• FIFA World Cup and Olympics 2016 are significant growth drivers for Brazil’s aviation industry
• Frequency of flights’ year-on-year trend presents stable growth at an average rate of 5% year on year
• Growth rate of seat capacity has been at an average of 10% year-on-year - had increased to an average of 14% year-on year in 2005
• Brazil held 61% of the South American aviation market in 2011

The Brazilian aviation industry is going through a period of rapid growth, with an increase in passenger demand for travel, combined with greater domestic and international investment into the country. The rapid growth has presented a challenge to airports and surrounding infrastructure as they try to keep pace. However, investment continues into the country as Brazil’s economy along with the rest of South America’s economy strengthens, presenting new opportunities for growth for US and European carriers looking for strong yielding routes.