Effective this month, the move covers 150 employees at Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and a further 150 across Milan Malpensa (MXP) and Milan Linate (LIN) airports. It forms part of dnata Italy’s long-term workforce strategy, supporting greater employment stability, skills development and operational resilience across three of the country’s major aviation hubs.

Strengthening one of dnata’s largest European operations

The milestone comes as dnata continues to enhance one of its largest airport services operations in Europe. In recent years, the company has expanded its presence in Italy through its entry into FCO, the full integration of its Italian ground handling business under the dnata brand, and continued investment in advanced infrastructure and fleet.

Across the three airports, dnata now employs approximately 5,000 people and serves more than 60 airline customers. Its teams handle more than 150,000 flights, 46 million passengers and almost 18 million bags each year, providing passenger, ramp, baggage and cargo ramp services.

Alberto Morosi, CEO of dnata Italy, said: “Italy is a major part of dnata’s global airport operations, and our people are at the heart of our success. By converting 300 roles into permanent positions, we are giving more of our colleagues greater stability while strengthening the teams that support our airline customers across Rome and Milan.

“This milestone reflects the progress we have made in Italy and the confidence we have in the future of the market. Following the integration of our Italian ground handling business under the dnata brand, we are now focused on the next phase of growth: investing in our people, enhancing our operational capability and continuing to deliver safe, reliable and high-quality services for our customers.”

Building capability across Rome and Milan

At FCO, where dnata secured a seven-year ground handling licence in February 2025, the company has continued to build its team and capabilities. The station now employs more than 2,500 people and serves 25 airline customers, with over 80,000 flights handled since launch and around 700 new ground support equipment (GSE) units deployed.

In Milan, dnata continues to strengthen its presence across MXP and LIN, while progressing its cargo expansion at Malpensa. Construction is well underway on the new €25 million facility, which will have an annual handling capacity of over 100,000 tonnes. Scheduled to open at the end of 2027, it is expected to create 200 additional jobs.

Supporting stable, skilled employment

The conversion of 300 roles into permanent positions follows agreements previously signed with trade unions in Italy. These include measures designed to further develop the organisation, support the development of internal talent and promote employee welfare initiatives, including programmes that promote a better work-life balance.

The initiative reflects dnata’s continued focus on building stable, skilled teams in key markets across its global network. As airline customers continue to focus on safe, consistent and high-quality airport operations, dnata is investing in the people, infrastructure and systems that support long-term service excellence.

Under the new agreement, dnata’s specialist teams will deliver last-mile logistics, packing and uplifting easyJet’s range of onboard retail products -including food and beverage items- alongside around 40,000 crew meals annually. The services will support easyJet’s expanded operations at its two new Italian bases and enhance the inflight experience for passengers.

dnata has managed easyJet’s inflight retail programme across its European network since 2022, providing a fully integrated solution that covers retail strategy, product development and sourcing, end-to-end logistics, marketing, crew support and financial management.

Rosario Ambrosino, Chief Executive Officer, dnata Catering & Retail Italy, said: “We’re proud to support easyJet’s success and growth with our innovative solutions across Italy. This partnership is a strong endorsement of our digital-led, data-driven approach and commitment to delivering a modern, high-quality retail experience that creates value for passengers and the airline. We look forward to further strengthening our collaboration.”

Including easyJet, dnata provides catering and retail services in Italy to 37 airline customers at nine airports with a team of more than 880 hospitality professionals. In the financial year 2024-25, dnata Catering & Retail teams uplifted over nine million meals, including 2.3 million meals at FCO alone, for over 63,000 flights in the country.

dnata’s catering and retail division is one of the world’s leading inflight hospitality providers. The company’s 10,500 catering professionals produce over 110 million meals annually, serving full service, low-cost and VIP carriers from more than 60 locations.

Having secured a seven-year ground handling license, Airport Handling committed an investment of more than €20 million in infrastructure and equipment at FCO. Its ground support equipment fleet is predominantly electric to deliver consistent high levels of environmental efficiency.

Founded in 2013, Airport Handling earned the trust and loyalty of over 60 airlines at the two Milan airports, Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN) with its reliable ramp and passenger services. Its strategic expansion into Rome -one of the largest start-ups of its kind in the industry- will make it Italy’s leading ground services provider, handling 150,000 flights annually across its operations.

Alberto Morosi, CEO of Airport Handling, said: “We’re proud to bring our quality and safe services to Italy’s largest airport, nearly doubling our operations in the country. I’d like to thank our team, including our highly-trained new colleagues, and partners for their support and contributions to a seamless launch. Together, we look forward to enhancing passenger and ground handling services at this major global aviation hub.”

Rome Fiumicino will become the second largest station in dnata’s global ground handling network, which consists of over 90 airports in 16 countries. 

Clive Sauvé-Hopkins, CEO of dnata Airport Operations, added: “Airport Handling’s expansion into Rome is an important step in our ongoing growth journey. It represents a significant investment, demonstrating dnata’s commitment to continuously enhancing operations for the benefit of our customers and stakeholders. I greatly appreciate the Airport Handling team’s hard work and dedication in achieving this milestone.”

dnata offers ground handling, cargo, travel, catering and retail services in more than 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.

Previously, the Lazio Regional Administrative Court confirmed the full legitimacy of the airport authority’s tender. An appeal from an incumbent service provider, which has temporarily delayed Airport Handling’s launch of operations at FCO, was dismissed by the court. 

Airport Handling will continue to move forward with its plans to commence its range of quality and safe ramp and passenger services at FCO in February 2025. To support this expansion, the company committed an investment of more than €20 million in ground support equipment (GSE).  Some vehicles have already been delivered to ensure a smooth launch of operations. 

Airport Handling plans to employ over 1,800 customer-oriented aviation professionals at FCO. The company will honour the terms of staff transition from the incumbent handler. Airport Handling has already hired a local management team, each bringing extensive expertise and experience in the Rome market.

Alberto Morosi, CEO of Airport Handling, said: “We appreciate the airport authority's confirmation of the tender results. We are excited to contribute to enhancing the passenger experience in Rome, providing consistent high quality and safe services across our operations. We look forward to building a successful, long-term partnership with the airport and our customers at Fiumicino."

Airport Handling’s expansion into Rome further strengthens its position as a leading air services provider in Italy. A trusted partner of over 60 airlines, the company’s dedicated teams already handle more than 22 million passengers and 82,000 flights annually at the two Milan airports, Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN). Airport Handling is a majority-owned subsidiary of leading global air and travel services provider dnata.

The court’s decision allows Airport Handling to move forward with its plans to commence its range of quality and safe ramp and passenger services at FCO in the first quarter of 2025. To support this expansion, the company committed an investment of more than €20 million in ground support equipment (GSE). Over 40% of the company’s fleet will be electric, with some vehicles already delivered to ensure a smooth launch of operations. 

Airport Handling plans to employ over 1,800 customer-oriented aviation professionals at FCO. The initial hires comprise the local management team, each bringing extensive expertise and experience in the Rome market.

Alberto Morosi, CEO of Airport Handling, said: “We welcome the court’s decision which reinforces the fairness of the tender process for our operating license. Throughout the legal process, we remained confident and committed to Fiumicino, continuing our investments and preparations to seamlessly begin operations as soon as possible. 

We are excited to enhance passenger experience in Rome, delivering the high standards of service and safety we are renowned for. We look forward to working closely with the airport and our customers for a successful launch.” 

Airport Handling’s expansion into Rome further strengthens its position as a leading air services provider in Italy. A trusted partner of over 60 airlines, the company’s dedicated teams already handle more than 22 million passengers and 82,000 flights annually at the two Milan airports, Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN).

dnata’s highly trained teams will produce and uplift more than 80,000 meals annually, ensuring a memorable dining experience onboard the South Korean carrier’s recently launched flights between Rome and Incheon (ICN). The airline will connect the Italian capital with South Korea with three weekly services.

Nicola Citarella, Chief Executive Officer, dnata Catering & Retail Italy, said: “We are delighted to welcome T’way Air to Rome and thank them for putting their trust in dnata’s services. It is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our teams in providing best-in-class services. We look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

Including T’way Air, dnata provides catering and retail services in Italy to 37 airline customers at 11 airports with a team of more than 880 hospitality professionals. In the financial year 2023-24, dnata Catering & Retail teams uplifted over 12 million meals for over 140,000 flights in the country.

T’way Air is a leading low-cost airline. Based in South Korea, it has been expanding its operations rapidly across Europe. Besides Rome, it has recently commenced flights to Barcelona, Frankfurt and Paris with solid plans to further enhance air connectivity between the continent and South Korea.

dnata’s catering and retail division is one of the world’s leading inflight hospitality providers. The company’s 10,500 catering professionals produce over 110 million meals annually, serving full service, low-cost and VIP carriers from more than 60 locations.

Operating from its Milan Malpensa (MXP) airport facilities, dnata’s expert teams will prepare and supply over 200,000 meals annually, ensuring a top tier, ‘smooth as silk’ dining experience on the Thai flag carrier’s daily flights from Milan to Bangkok (BKK).

Nicola Citarella, Chief Executive Officer, dnata Catering & Retail Italy, said: “We are delighted to welcome Thai Airways as their exclusive catering supplier at MXP. Our experienced team will consistently provide outstanding culinary products and services that contribute to the passengers’ memorable journey. We look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

Including Thai Airways, dnata provides catering and retail services in Italy to 36 airline customers at 11 main airports with a team of more than 880 hospitality professionals. In the financial year 2023-24, dnata Catering & Retail teams uplifted some 12 million meals for over 140,000 flights in the country.

dnata’s catering and retail division is one of the world’s leading inflight hospitality providers. The company’s 10,500 catering professionals produce over 110 million meals annually, serving full service, low-cost and VIP carriers from more than 60 locations.

Alberto Morosi, CEO of Airport Handling, said: “Service excellence, innovation and safety have always been our top priorities across our extensive airport operations in Milan, and we look forward to bringing these high standards to Rome Fiumicino airport.

“The airport authority designed the new tender procedure to improve service quality.  Unfortunately, this extended delay impacts not only the awarded service providers but also the airport’s passengers and airlines.

“Despite these setbacks, we remain fully committed to launching operations at Fiumicino as soon as possible. We have already pledged to invest more than €20 million in ground support equipment, including advanced electric vehicles, and plan to hire local, qualified employees to provide best-in-class services. Our recent hiring of senior management with extensive local market experience underscores our dedication.

“We remain optimistic as we await the court’s decision, confident in the accuracy of the airport authority’s actions and the strength of our position.”

Airport Handling is a leading air services provider in Italy. A trusted partner of over 60 airlines, the company’s dedicated teams already handle more than 22 million passengers and 82,000 flights annually at the two Milan airports, Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN).

The majority stakeholder of Airport Handling is dnata, a global player in the combined air services industry, which operates at over 120 airports globally. Besides its ground handling business, dnata also provides catering & retail services at all major Italian airports. 

Serving over 300 airline customers, 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 in the financial year 2023-24. 

Located at FCO's Terminal 3, the new office enables the company’s senior management team to efficiently oversee daily operations and ensure best-in-class services for airline customers.

Airport Handling will provide a range of quality and safe ramp and passenger services to airlines in Rome. Currently targeting to launch operations in the second half of 2024, it plans to employ over 1,800 customer-oriented aviation professionals at FCO. The initial hires comprise the local management team, each bringing extensive expertise and experience in the Rome market.

Airport Handling’s new fleet of ground services equipment for operations at FCO, including advanced electric vehicles, are scheduled for delivery from early summer.

Alberto Morosi, CEO of Airport Handling, said: “The opening of our new office marks an important milestone, underscoring our commitment to commencing services in Rome as soon as possible. We will continue our long-term investments in team, infrastructure, and equipment as we establish operations at the airport. We look forward to providing our world-class services to our existing and new customers at another major Italian aviation hub.” 

Airport Handling’s expansion into Rome further strengthens its position as a leading air services provider in Italy. A trusted partner of over 60 airlines, the company’s dedicated teams already handle more than 22 million passengers and 82,000 flights annually at the two Milan airports, Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN).

The majority stakeholder of Airport Handling is dnata, a global player in the combined air services industry, which operates at over 120 airports globally. Besides its ground handling business, dnata also provides catering & retail services at all major Italian airports, including Rome Fiumicino.

Serving over 300 airline customers, dnata’s customer-oriented teams handled more than 710,000 aircraft turns, moved over 2.7 million tonnes of cargo and uplifted 111.4 million meals in the financial year 2022-23.

Upon implementation, EASA’s Regulation will establish a more standardised environment, which will help enhance safety, operational delivery, cybersecurity, and consistency within the region.

Until now, the ground handling industry has largely operated under self-regulation, with operational arrangements, including safety considerations, primarily addressed in bilateral service agreements between ground handling service providers and the respective aircraft operators.

EASA’s Regulation is scheduled for publication in late 2024 or early 2025. The proposal includes a suggested three-year transition period for implementation post-publication. dnata anticipates a smooth transition, proactively aligning its practices with the forthcoming regulatory framework.

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 2022-23, company’s customer-oriented teams handled over 710,000 aircraft turns, moved over 2.7 million tonnes of cargo, uplifted 111.4 million meals, and recorded a total transaction value (TTV) of travel services of US$ 1.9 billion.

Airport Handling will provide a range of quality and safe ramp and passenger services to airlines in Rome. It has already committed an investment of over €20 million to purchase new ground support equipment (GSE), including advanced electric vehicles. Having recruited a local senior management team, which is very familiar with the Rome market, Airport Handling is targeting to employ over 1,800 customer-oriented aviation professionals at FCO.

Airport Handling’s expansion into Rome further strengthens its position as a leading air services provider in Italy. A trusted partner of over 60 airlines, the company’s dedicated teams already handle more than 22 million passengers and 82,000 flights annually at the two Milan airports, Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN).

Alberto Morosi, CEO of Airport Handling, said: “We are proud to have secured operating license at another leading Italian airport as a result of a highly competitive tender process. Expanding into Rome Fiumicino is a significant milestone that aligns with our growth strategy and underlines our commitment to consistently enhancing our operations.

“We look forward to working with the airport to deliver high quality and safe services for our airline customers and their passengers travelling to or through Rome. I thank our partners for their continued trust in our services and our team for their hard work and dedication.” 

The majority stakeholder of Airport Handling is dnata, a global player in the combined air services industry, which operates at over 120 airports globally. Besides its ground handling business, dnata also provides catering & retail services at all major Italian airports, including Rome Fiumicino.

Serving over 300 airline customers, dnata’s customer-oriented teams handled more than 710,000 aircraft turns, moved over 2.7 million tonnes of cargo and uplifted 111.4 million meals in the financial year 2022-23.

The agreement will see Airport Handling provide a range of passenger, ramp and baggage services to the airline which began operating a twice-weekly service between Milan and Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO) in China on 30 October, using a Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

Alberto Morosi, CEO of Airport Handling, said: “We are very proud to have been selected by Juneyao as their ground handling provider at Malpensa Airport, as they expand their operations into Milan. Our personalised solutions, combined with our understanding of passenger needs, will ensure a safe and smooth airport experience, helping the airline deliver on its growth plans. We look forward to working closely with Juneyao’s local team to contribute to their success.”

Airport Handling is the leading air services provider at both Milan airports, Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN). A trusted partner of over 60 airlines, the company’s dedicated teams handle more than 25 million passengers and 96,000 flights annually. The majority stakeholder of Airport Handling is dnata, a global player in the combined air services industry, that serves more than 300 airlines at over 120 airports globally.

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 2022-23, dnata’s customer-oriented teams handled over 710,000 aircraft turns, moved over 2.7 million tonnes of cargo, uplifted 111.4 million meals, and recorded a total transaction value (TTV) of travel services of US$ 1.9 billion.

The agreement will see Airport Handling provide a range of passenger, ramp and baggage services to the airline which will operate three weekly flights between Milan and Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) in China, using a Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

Alberto Morosi, CEO of Airport Handling, said: “We are proud and delighted to welcome Hainan Airlines to Milan Malpensa Airport and look forward to providing the highest level of quality and safety to the airline and its customers.

“We will continue to go the extra mile to be the most admired air and travel services provider and an employer of choice throughout our operations.”

Airport Handling is the leading air services provider at both Milan airports, Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN). A trusted partner of over 60 airlines, the company’s dedicated teams handle more than 25 million passengers and 96.000 flights annually. The majority stakeholder of Airport Handling is dnata, a global player in the combined air services industry, that serves more than 300 airlines at over 120 airports globally.

About Hainan Airlines

Hainan Airlines Holding Co., Ltd. (hereafter referred to as "Hainan Airlines") was established in January 1993 in Hainan Province, China's largest special economic zone and free trade port. As one of the fastest growing airlines in China, Hainan Airlines is committed to providing passengers with comprehensive, seamless and high-quality service experience. 

Since 1993, Hainan Airlines has been operating safely for 30 consecutive years. As of 2022, Hainan Airlines and its subsidiaries operated nearly 1,900 domestic and international routes; around 1,700 domestic routes, including all mainland provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government. As well as more than 200 international routes, including scheduled passenger flights, specific charter flights for work and school, and passenger-to-cargo flights, covering Asia, Europe, Africa, North America and Oceania regions, flying to 44 cities overseas. 

Hainan Airlines has actively responded to The Belt and Road Initiative by focusing on building a world-class airline network. Hainan Airlines and its subsidiaries have established operational bases/branches in 24 cities including Beijing, Haikou, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Hainan Airlines is the first and only SKYTRAX 5-Star airline in mainland China, who has been awarded the SKYTRAX 5-Star Airline for 12 consecutive years since 2011. This honor is Hainan Airlines highest level of recognition for our outstanding service, and also represents praise from the majority of our passengers for high quality services. 

On December 8, 2021, the actual control rights for the operation and management of the main business were officially transferred to the strategic investor Liaoning Fangda Group. In the future, Hainan Airlines will follow the corporate values put forward by the controlling shareholder Liaoning Fangda Group that, “operating an enterprise must be beneficial to the country, the enterprise, its employees and its customers” and will continue to aspire to build a world-class airline focusing on safety, service and profits.

In his new role, Stewart will lead dnata’s airport operations at 23 airports in 6 countries across the continent, managing 6,300 highly-trained employees. Stewart will be based in the UK, and report to David Barker, dnata’s Divisional Senior Vice President for Airport Operations.

Stewart has over 20 years of experience in leading high-performing teams in the aviation industry. Most recently he was based in Dubai, UAE, overseeing dnata’s airport operations globally for 16 years. Stewart left dnata in the summer of 2021 to move to the UK for family reasons. Prior to joining dnata, he held various management roles at Emirates Airline and British Airways. Stewart’s appointment is effective 29 November 2021.

David Barker said: “We are thrilled to welcome Stewart back to our international management team. A widely recognised leader, Stewart made a significant contribution to dnata’s global expansion over the past two decades. He lives and breathes the dnata values and has the unique experience of building and running successful, customer-oriented businesses on an international level. I’m sure that our customers, teams and the company will benefit from his leadership across our European operations."

A trusted partner of over 300 airline customers, dnata provides quality and safe ground handling, cargo, catering and travel services in 35 countries. In the financial year 2020-21 dnata’s customer-oriented teams handled 290,000 aircraft, moved 2.7 million tons of cargo, and uplifted some 17 million meals.

The partnership will see Airport Handling and Beta Trans integrate operational processes and functions, offering customers a one-stop shop of ground handling and cargo services at MXP. The enhanced cooperation will enable the companies to leverage synergies to further optimise their operations and service offering, and deliver world-class efficiency throughout the handling process.

In addition to the highly-trained teams’ combined expertise and experience, customers can also take advantage of advanced infrastructure, equipment and cutting-edge technologies. The two companies’ investments in recent years include a 13,000m² ultramodern warehouse, a 420m² dedicated, CEIV certified pharma facility, and hundreds of state-of-the-art, eco-efficient ground support equipment such as new cool dollies that ensure seamless delivery of temperature-sensitive goods between the cargo warehouse and aircraft.

Alberto Morosi, CEO of Airport Handling, said: “We are delighted to partner with another leading, reputable industry player to jointly offer an advanced one-stop shop solution to our customers. Our world-class ground handling offering including our state-of-the-art GSE fleet and Betatrans’ ultramodern facilities will ensure that we consistently provide excellent services.

“We are confident that this strategic partnership will deliver significant benefits for both companies and our partners.”

Giorgio Bianculli, CEO of Beta Trans said, said: “This partnership enables both companies to complete their offering and enhance cooperation with customers by providing them with a single point of contact. Airline tenders often have international relevance, therefore this project also allows us to grow and refine our commercial offer.”

Airport Handling is the leading air services provider at both Milan airports, Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN). A trusted partner of over 55 airlines, the company’s dedicated teams handled more than 28 million passengers and 110,000 flights annually before the pandemic. The majority stakeholder of Airport Handling is dnata, a global player in the combined air services industry, that serves more than 300 airlines at 126 airports in 19 countries.

Founded in 1957, Beta Trans is a leading cargo services provider. Working with over 100 airlines and freight forwarders, the company handles over 300,000 tons of cargo annually in its facilities that cover a total area of over 100,000m² in Milan.

DUBAI, U.A.E., 2 July 2018: dnata, one of the world’s largest air services providers, has exercised its option to acquire an additional 40% share in Airport Handling SPA. The transaction will increase dnata’s total interest in the Milan-based ground handler to 70%. With majority representation on the board, dnata has already been managing the day-to-day operations of the company since its original investment in 2016.

Airport Handling, which was founded in 2014, provides a variety of passenger, ramp and baggage services to over 60 airlines at Milan’s two airports, Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN). dnata's further investment in Airport Handling underlines its commitment to the Italian market, where it also operates catering facilities at 22 airports. 

Stewart Angus, Divisional Senior Vice President for dnata International Airport Operations & Associated Companies, said: “Following more than two years of successful cooperation and the consistent delivery of excellent service standards to our customers, we are delighted to announce further investment in Airport Handling. We are confident that dnata and our stakeholders will benefit from this strategic acquisition, which underscores our broader vision and commitment to the Italian market. We will work hard to continue offering outstanding quality service to our customers, while seeking further growth opportunities in the country.”

Although dnata’s share increases to 70% the current leadership team will continue to manage the business and operations as before.

Over the past seven years, dnata has steadily expanded its international airport operations with a series of partnerships and acquisitions. dnata now provides over 300 airline customers with quality and reliable ground handling, cargo and catering services at 130 airports across six continents.

--ENDS

Airport Handling, which was founded in 2014 and has 1,800 employees, operates passenger and ramp services at Milan’s two major airports, Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN). dnata's investment in Airport Handling underscores its broader vision and commitment to the Italian market, where dnata already operates catering facilities at 22 airports. 

“We continue to grow dnata’s international operations where we find the right opportunities and the right partners. Any acquisition or partnership that we enter has to add value to our business, customers and stakeholders. Airport Handling’s operations tick those boxes for dnata,” said Stewart Angus, dnata’s Divisional Senior Vice President of International Airport Operations. 

“dnata is an established international player in airport and ground handling services. Tapping on dnata’s expertise, the Airport Handling team looks forward to further strengthen the quality of services that we already offer in Milan’s airports and our prospects for both short and long term" said John Stewart, CEO of Airport Handling. Tiziano Treu, Chairman of the Trustee,Crowe Horwath Trustee Services It, added " the value of the transaction confirms the current equity value of AirportHandling" 

Under the agreement with dnata, Airport Handling will retain its current name.  Employee terms will also be unaffected. This transaction is subject to competition approval by Italian authorities and the European Union. This is expected to be achieved by the end of November 2015. 

Airport Handling SPA is a young company, with an experienced management team. It started operations in Milan in 2014 and provides a variety of passenger, ramp, baggage and cargo handling services to over 60 airlines in MXP and LIN. 

This investment follows closely on the heels of dnata’s recent announcement of its investment in cargo facilities in Amsterdam.   In the past five years, dnata has steadily expanded its international operations with a series of partnerships and acquisitions. In Europe, these included multi-million investments at over 40 airports in Italy, the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Romania, and the Czech Republic - spanning passenger and ground handling, cargo facilities and catering operations. 

Established in 1959, dnata ensures the aviation industry operates smoothly and efficiently in 78 airports across the Middle East, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and North America. Offering ground handling, cargo, travel, and flight catering services, dnata is a trusted partner for over 380 airline customers around the world. 

DUBAI, UAE, 16^th May 2013 – dnata, one of the world’s largest air services providers today announced the acquisition of the remaining 50% of Servair Airchef in Italy, taking its total ownership to 100%. 

Founded in 1995 as part of Chef Italia Group, dnata’s subsidiary Alpha became a shareholder of Servair Airchef in 2001.

Servair Airchef is a leading in-flight caterer in Italy with a presence in 23 airports including Rome, Milan and Venice, employing around 700 employees, producing some 40,000 meals daily.

The company also provides aircraft cleaning services at seven Italian airports.

"The full acquisition of this business reflects dnata’s long term strategy to further invest in its core business,” said Stewart Angus, Divisional Senior Vice President, dnata. "The Italian business complements our existing in-flight catering and cabin cleaning operations around the world. The company has a strong, dynamic management team and I am confident that together we can develop the business further, in line with the outstanding service and quality for which dnata is renowned,” he continued.

“Our customers are the real wealth of our company,” said Michele Mezzatesta, Managing Director of Servair Airchef.  “We have always strived to deliver the very best service combined with consistently high quality products. The drive and commitment of our dedicated staff has earned us a solid reputation for exceeding our customers’ expectations and we look forward to continuing to work with the management team at dnata to further develop the business.”