Located at dnata’s Dubai International Airport (DXB) hub, the CICC provides teams with a centralised view of cargo operations across DXB and Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International (DWC), enabling them to anticipate operational requirements, coordinate resources and respond quickly to changing conditions.

Connecting an operation of significant scale

The CICC oversees an operation that handled more than one million tonnes of cargo, 189,000 flight movements and 46,000 truck movements in the 2025-26 financial year. The facility brings greater visibility across this complex operation, supporting coordination between teams, facilities and activities across both airports.

The evolution of the command centre comes as Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a major global cargo and logistics hub. Global air cargo demand reached record levels in 2025, increasing 3.4% year-on-year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Dubai is also investing significantly in the future expansion of DWC, creating additional capacity to support the emirate’s long-term aviation and logistics growth.

Turning operational data into faster decisions

At the heart of the CICC is dnata’s internally developed operational dashboard, which consolidates critical information and refreshes every 10 seconds, giving teams a near real-time view of operations.

The centre draws on dnata’s core cargo management system, One Cargo, which reflects operational activities and transactions in real time, as well as its Appointment and Dock Management (ADM) system, which provides visibility of truck movements across both airports. It also includes data from Calogi, dnata’s cargo community platform, to help teams oversee landside activities and ancillary services, including last-mile delivery.

Together, these systems enable the CICC team to monitor activity across dnata’s cargo network, identify potential bottlenecks and support coordinated action across facilities and teams.

Enhancing operational visibility and coordination

With a comprehensive view of the cargo journey, CICC teams can make faster, better-informed decisions around workload, capacity and resources. This helps maintain the smooth flow of cargo through dnata’s facilities and supports a consistently high level of service for airline and freight forwarding customers.

Nabil Sultan Al Murr, Group Chief Executive Officer, dnata, said: “Cargo operations involve thousands of interconnected activities every day, making operational visibility essential to maintaining performance at scale. Our enhanced cargo command centre is part of our ambition to continuously evolve our operating model and infrastructure to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global logistics hub.

“The integration of our people, systems and operational data into a single operating environment gives us a stronger foundation to manage increasing complexity and support future growth.”

Building for the future

The enhanced CICC builds on dnata’s continued investment in technology and digitalisation across its Dubai cargo operations.

Recent initiatives include the integration of autonomous drones into warehouse inventory processes, delivering more than 99% accuracy in shipment tracking, as well as a centralised cargo screening control room developed with Dubai Police, which enables six X-ray screening machines at DXB to be remotely operated and monitored from a single location.

The CICC has been designed with future growth in mind, providing a scalable model that can evolve alongside dnata’s expanding cargo operations and support increasing capacity and operational complexity across the UAE.

According to the latest dnata Travel booking data, the Maldives is the most popular international destination for UAE travellers this summer, accounting for around 20% of all overseas hotel bookings. The destination also dominates demand for all-inclusive holidays, representing 54% of dnata Travel’s all-inclusive bookings in 2026 so far. This trend highlights travellers' growing preference for convenience and value, with accommodation, dining and experiences secured before departure.

Against this backdrop, Secret Stays offers customers the opportunity to secure a luxury escape without knowing the name of the resort until after booking is confirmed. The concept reflects a growing preference for expert-curated holidays, while retaining an element of surprise.

dnata Travel has partnered with one of the Maldives' most established resorts to create an exclusive ‘Secret Stays Maldives’ offer for UAE residents.

“The Maldives is a destination where many travellers turn to our experts for guidance, simply because there are so many resorts to choose from,” said Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel.

“Secret Stays Maldives removes that complexity. Customers can book with confidence, knowing they are securing exceptional value at a quality resort, while enjoying the excitement of a surprise reveal.”

Already prompting a surge in customer enquiries since its 1 July launch, Secret Stays Maldives is available to book until 31 July 2026, for travel through to 30 September 2026. Travellers can secure a three-night luxury escape from AED 2,590 per adult, with the destination revealed upfront, while the resort itself remains under wraps until booking is complete.

The limited-time package, exclusive to dnata Travel customers, includes three nights' accommodation in a Beach Villa on Full Board, with return speedboat transfers, a complimentary floating breakfast, dedicated Island Host service, in-room check-in, and a selection of premium value-adds. Guests can also enjoy complimentary chef's treats, bicycle use, access to leisure facilities, a daily house reef boat trip (terms and conditions apply), and a 20% discount on selected spa treatments during the first two days of their stay, alongside additional exclusive benefits.

Secret Stays Maldives is available exclusively through dnata Travel for bookings from now until 31 July 2026, for travel until 30 September 2026. Travellers can book with dnata Travel’s experts via call or WhatsApp on 800 DNATA (36282), on social media @dnataTravel, email holidays@dnatatravel.com, or visit a dnata Travel retail outlet, with stores located across the UAE.

Demand for overseas travel is being fuelled by a mix of Indian Ocean beach escapes and long-haul destinations. The entry of Canada, Australia, Japan and the United States into this summer’s top 10 reflects a growing appetite for longer, experience-led holidays, as UAE travellers show an increasing willingness to explore further afield.

Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, said: “International travel is proving more popular than ever this summer, with nine in 10 hotel bookings made for overseas destinations. While traditional favourites such as the Maldives, Thailand and Mauritius continue to attract strong demand, we are also seeing rising interest in long-haul travel as customers seek new destinations and more experience-driven holidays.

“UAE staycations remain an important segment of the market, particularly for short weekend getaways, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah among the most popular domestic destinations this summer.

“Internationally, travellers are staying for an average of around five nights, with long-haul trips often extending beyond this. Demand for four- and five-star properties remains particularly strong, with average booking values up approximately 16% year-on-year.”

dnata Travel’s experts continuously monitor evolving travel trends and leverage long-standing global partnerships to secure exclusive rates, value-added benefits, and curated holiday options for UAE customers. The agency’s summer campaign spotlights last-minute escapes to trending beach and city destinations worldwide.

dnata Travel’s featured summer 2026 holiday offers:

Maldives
Stay three nights at the 5-star Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa with dnata Travel in a Lagoon Pool Villa, with a complimentary full board upgrade, 45% savings on your stay, kids stay free, return speedboat transfers, and return flights, from AED 7,055 per adult.

Thailand
Stay three nights at the 5-star Mida Grande Resort Phuket with dnata Travel in a Deluxe Room Ocean View on Half-Board basis, with 50% savings on your stay, 40% savings on dining, kids stay free, and return flights, from AED 4,775 per adult.

Seychelles​​
Stay three nights at the 5-star Niva Labriz Seychelles with dnata Travel in a Garden Villa with breakfast daily, 30% savings on your stay, kids stay and eat free, and return flights, from AED 7,685 per adult. 

Mauritius
Stay three nights at the 5-star Long Beach, a Sunlife Resort, Mauritius with dnata Travel in a Junior Suite on Half-Board basis, with 35% savings on your stay, kids stay free, and return flights, from AED 6,085 per adult.

Istanbul
Stay three nights at the 5-star Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center with dnata Travel in a Guest Room with breakfast daily, and return flights, from AED 3,250 per person.

To explore more trending destinations from the UAE with dnata Travel, visit www.dnataTravel.com. For more travel advice and inspiration, contact the dnata Travel experts via call or WhatsApp on 800 DNATA (36282), on social media @dnataTravel, email holidays@dnatatravel.com, or visit a dnata Travel retail outlet, with stores located across the UAE.

From a single high-tech command centre, Dubai Police officers can now remotely operate and monitor six X-ray screening machines across dnata’s warehouse. Each device is connected to One Cargo, dnata’s digital cargo management system that automates key business and operational functions. This allows for instant data sharing, streamlined workflows, and faster decision-making.

“This project is a milestone in dnata’s journey towards smarter, more efficient cargo handling,” said Guillaume Crozier, dnata’s Chief Cargo Officer. “Through close collaboration with Dubai Police, we’ve introduced a model that strengthens security, boosts efficiency, and reflects Dubai’s commitment to innovation.”

Smarter, faster, safer

Previously, screening was conducted at multiple warehouse locations, leading to higher resource use and reduced efficiency. The new centralised approach consolidates all processes into one hub, reducing screening time and improving throughput by around 3 per cent annually.

dnata, which serves more than 120 airline customers, handles on average 60,000 tonnes of cargo monthly in its DXB facility. Earlier this year, the company announced a significant milestone of processing more than 1 million tonnes of cargo between April 2024 and March 2025, marking the highest volume ever handled in a year across both its DXB and DWC operations, representing year-on-year growth of around 30 per cent. 

This surge reflects the broader story of Dubai’s logistics growth. The rise of e-commerce, the region’s growing consumer population and Dubai’s strategic location as a global transit hub are driving cargo volumes to new heights.

The new system reduces manual touchpoints, enables advanced analytics, and helps optimise resource use, lowering unnecessary cargo movement and fuel consumption inside the facility.

A model of collaboration

The centralised screening control room was jointly designed by dnata and Dubai Police to support both primary and secondary command functions. It is equipped with advanced monitoring interfaces, live imaging, and automated reporting tools that ensure traceability across every stage of the screening process.

“Dubai’s success as a global hub comes from a shared commitment between public and private partners,” added Crozier. “This collaboration with Dubai Police reflects that spirit – leveraging technology and trust to create a strong cargo ecosystem that keeps the city’s trade moving efficiently.”

Driving dnata’s innovation agenda

The new control room is one piece of dnata’s wider push to reimagine cargo operations through data, automation, and design thinking.

Across its Dubai facilities, the company is exploring autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that can move shipments safely and efficiently across the warehouse floor – reducing forklift movements and improving space utilisation.

At the same time, dnata is testing automated dimensioning and load-optimisation tools that use sensors and smart algorithms to capture the exact size and weight of every shipment. This allows teams to maximise space inside Unit Load Devices (ULDs), cut waste, and plan more precise, data-driven cargo flows.

“Behind every piece of technology we adopt are the people who make it work,” said Crozier. “Our teams on the ground are the driving force behind this transformation – using new tools to move cargo more securely and intelligently than ever before.”

Dubai, UAE, 18 September 2025: dnata has signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with Dubai Basketball, becoming a Founding Partner of the city’s first professional basketball franchise. The deal represents dnata’s first major sports sponsorship and places the company’s brand at the centre of one of the most ambitious sporting projects in the region.

With Dubai Basketball preparing for both the prestigious EuroLeague, and a return to the Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League, the partnership highlights dnata’s commitment to elevating the profile of basketball in the UAE and showcasing the nation’s growing role in international competition.

From runway to the rim

As part of the partnership, dnata’s branding will appear on Dubai Basketball’s official jerseys, across the Coca-Cola Arena home court, and on the team’s digital platforms. The company will also leverage the partnership to showcase its portfolio of brands – including dnata Travel, Arabian Adventures, and marhaba – through game-day experiences and fan activations.

dnata will also serve as the official travel partner of Dubai Basketball, supporting the team’s journey across Europe and ensuring seamless travel as the club competes in elite competitions.

Steve Allen, CEO of dnata, said: “This is a landmark moment for dnata and a true full-court press into the world of sport. Like Dubai Basketball, we believe in a play-to-win mindset – aiming high, competing with the best, and never settling for less. Their rapid rise mirrors our own journey as a Dubai-born company that has grown into a truly global brand, driven by the same discipline and teamwork that turn good into great.”

“Basketball has a universal appeal - it transcends borders, unites communities, and brings everyone, including families, together through a shared passion. We play the same role through our global services, connecting millions across continents and meeting the needs of every journey. As Dubai Basketball prepares to represent the city in Europe’s top leagues, we are proud to stand alongside them, support their growth, and bring our brands closer to fans at home and abroad.”

From Dubai to the world

Dubai Basketball has made rapid progress since its formation in 2023. In its debut season in the Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League, the club advanced to the semifinals and finished third overall, a landmark achievement for a first-year team.

The franchise has been confirmed to return to the ABA League and will also compete in the EuroLeague, widely regarded as one of the strongest basketball competitions in the world. Home games will be staged at Coca-Cola Arena, bringing some of Europe’s most storied clubs to the city.

Co-Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Basketball, Nick Oakley commented: “Dubai Basketball will compete in Europe’s great cities, carrying the pride of Dubai onto the world stage. We are proud to welcome dnata as our official travel partner, a world-class brand that shares our vision and ambition. Together, we will build an extraordinary team for our city and create a sporting experience that unites and inspires our fans.”

As Dubai Basketball further cements its international name through the upcoming leagues, dnata – with operations across six continents – is aligning its global presence with the team’s rapid ascent. The collaboration reflects how both brands are carrying Dubai’s name into arenas worldwide, in sport and in travel and aviation.

The partnership also presents a unique opportunity for dnata to tap into the club’s growing fanbase. During Dubai Basketball’s debut at the ABA League last season, Coca-Cola Arena attracted nearly 80,000 spectators in just 18 home games. With the team now competing in the EuroLeague, the agreement marks the start of a three-year collaboration that will see dnata embedded into Dubai Basketball’s journey across a minimum of 31 home games in a single season, with visibility on and off the court as they take on Europe’s best.

About dnata

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 more than 30 countries across six continents. In the financial year 2024-25, dnata’s customer-oriented teams handled over 794,000 aircraft turns, moved 3.1 million tonnes of cargo, uplifted 114 million meals, and recorded a total transaction value (TTV) of travel services of US$ 2.6 billion.

For more information, visit dnata.com. For media enquiries, reach out to public.relations@dnata.com.

About Dubai Basketball

Founded in 2023, Dubai Basketball is a newly established professional basketball franchise that plays in Europe’s Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League for the 2024/25 season. The franchise has assembled a strong roster of players, with the team represented by countries including the Philippines, USA, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Jordan, Turkey, Latvia, Italy, Bosnia, and France. The franchise plays their home games in the ABA League at Coca-Cola Arena.

Dubai Basketball stands as a testament to the power of passion and dedication in shaping the landscape of basketball in the UAE and beyond. Its foundation is built upon a diverse and talented team, consisting of FIBA-certified coaches, former professional players, business experts, and passionate enthusiasts.

Dubai Basketball is committed to catalysing positive social change, where dreams are not just envisioned but realised, talents are not merely found but nurtured, and aspirations are not only lived but fulfilled.

Keep up to date with the latest news on Dubai Basketball by visiting www.dubaibasketball.com or on social media platforms:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/dubaibasketballclub 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dubaibasketballclub/

X - https://x.com/dubaibasket

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DubaiBasketball

Media enquiries: David Jover, david.j@dubaibasketball.com or Hanan Mohamed, hanan.m@dubaibasketball.com

Enhanced efficiency and safety

dnata now operates six electric tractors – the EZTow model developed by TractEasy– at DWC. Traditionally, baggage is transported between the terminal and aircraft by human drivers, each operating under tight time constraints. The new autonomous vehicles streamline this process by towing up to four baggage containers (ULDs) at a time at speeds of up to 15 km/h, following pre-defined routes.

With these new vehicles now in service, and as they become integrated into operations, staff who previously drove baggage tractors can be reassigned to more complex, value-added tasks, supporting faster turnarounds. At the same time, autonomous driving reduces the risk of human error, making airside operations safer for everyone on the ramp.

From controlled trials to live airport operations

The AED 6 million (US$ 1.6 million) project deployment begins with Level 3 autonomy, which involves minimal human oversight. This will upgrade to Level 4 autonomy, defined by full self-driving capabilities in controlled environments, in early 2026.

Building the blueprint for tomorrow’s airport

Beyond its day-to-day role, dnata will use this deployment as a testbed to trial and refine different operating models for autonomous ground handling. The aim is to identify the most effective approach for wider rollout – especially as DWC expands into what is set to become the world’s largest airport, with capacity for up to 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually. The insights gained will help shape how automation is built into the core of future airport operations at DWC.

A game-changer for mobility

“This is an important step forward for both dnata and the wider aviation industry,” said Jaffar Dawood, Divisional Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations at dnata.

“While autonomous vehicles have largely been limited to trials, this deployment brings the technology into regular, day-to-day operations. As global travel continues to rebound and operational demands increase, automation could be key to building smarter, safer and more resilient infrastructure.”

“Autonomous GSE adoption is taking off,” said Rich Reno, TractEasy’s CEO. “TractEasy is proud and excited to partner with an industry leader like dnata and blaze a safe and efficient autonomous trail for others to follow.”

Autonomous ground support equipment (GSE) has become a key focus area for innovation in recent years. According to IATA, such trials are currently underway in more than 15 countries, though most remain in early testing phases or restricted to small-scale pilots.

dnata’s latest deployment positions it at the forefront of this shift and builds on its broader innovation agenda. Recent highlights include the successful integration of autonomous drones into its warehouse operations, which significantly reduced processing times and increased accuracy in shipment tracking.

The rollout follows over a year of collaboration between dnata, TractEasy, Dubai Airports and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The parties have been working together to create a new regulatory framework for autonomous vehicle operations in airside environments, which remain largely undefined at a global level.

The record reflects a 30% year-on-year increase, driven by strong demand for dnata’s reliable, high-quality services. Operating from advanced facilities at both Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum - Dubai World Central (DWC) airports, dnata currently serves more than 120 airline customers, safely managing a broad range of cargo, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods, live animals, aircraft engines and vehicles.  

Guillaume Crozier, dnata’s Chief Cargo Officer, said: “We are incredibly proud to reach this milestone in Dubai, the birthplace of dnata and our largest cargo station. This achievement reflects the strength of our operations and the vital role dnata plays in enabling the smooth and efficient flow of goods through the emirate.

“Our success is built on the dedication of our people and the outstanding collaboration with our industry partners and authorities, including Dubai Airports, Dubai Customs and Dubai Police. I sincerely thank them all as we continue to raise the bar for cargo handling in the region and beyond.

“We will continue to invest in our operations to contribute to Dubai’s success and growth as a major gateway for commerce, connectivity and innovation.”

Investing in technology and sustainability

dnata provides end-to-end cargo handling services with a team of over 2,000 professionals at Dubai’s two airports. Its recent investments include the rollout of OneCargo, its digital cargo management system. OneCargo automates key business and operational functions, including safety and quality monitoring, reporting and ULD management, with an integrated, cloud-based platform. AI-driven tools and analytics provide enhanced visibility on sales and business performance, allowing customers to match real-time demand with available capacity for maximum profitability. In addition, OneCargo eliminates all redundancies and manual check sheets.

Further innovation highlights include the successful integration of autonomous drones into dnata’s operations, which significantly reduced processing times and increased accuracy in shipment tracking.

dnata also consistently takes initiatives to enhance environmental efficiency across its operations. Most recently, it transitioned its entire non-electric ground support equipment (GSE) fleet to run on biodiesel in Dubai. The company also actively works to repurpose and recycle materials, including cargo pallets and nets, supporting broader efforts to drive circularity and reduce environmental impact across the industry. 

dnata: a leading global cargo services provider

dnata provides quality and safe ground handling and cargo services at over 90 airports in 16 countries. In the financial year 2023-24, dnata’s teams handled 2.9 million tonnes of cargo globally, which represents a 5% growth year over year.

New developments in The Netherlands, UAE and Iraq are set to go live in 2025, strengthening dnata’s cargo and logistics capabilities across its global operations.

“As supply chains evolve and customer expectations shift, we’re focused on investing in infrastructure that’s fit for purpose today and adaptable for tomorrow”, said Clive Sauvé-Hopkins, dnata’s CEO – Airport Operations. “Our latest investments prioritise automation, scalability and energy efficiency, enabling us to support our customers more effectively in a fast-changing logistics environment.”

Future-ready infrastructure to meet shifting market trends

All three new dnata facilities have been designed to reduce manual handling, improve real-time visibility, and enable scalable automation. Their modular architecture allows for future technology upgrades and operational flexibility. Integrated sustainability features will help drive long-term energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

• Amsterdam, The Netherlands: dnata is investing more than US$ 70 million in a 61,000 m², fully-automated cargo centre -dnata Cargo City Amsterdam- at Schiphol Airport (AMS), set to open in July 2025. The facility will be capable of processing more than 850,000 tonnes of cargo annually. It will feature the latest technologies, including automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for flexible, scalable ULD transport within the terminal.

dnata Cargo City Amsterdam will also offer full AWB (air waybill) control across the entire facility, allowing complete oversight of shipment progress and documentation. Operations will be centrally managed via dnata’s Cargo Control Centre, with live process visibility for real-time coordination.  Smart gates will automatically record the volume and weight of all incoming consignments using 3D scanning, significantly improving handling speed and service quality. A forklift guidance system will support optimised movement and placement of cargo within the warehouse. Additionally, the facility will perform 100% weight and dimension checks, ensuring accuracy and compliance for every shipment. 

• Erbil, Iraq: dnata is building a 20,000 m² cargo facility through a US$ 15 million investment, scheduled to become operational in July 2025. The facility will increase dnata’s handling capacity by 300% to 66,000 tonnes annually in the country. It will incorporate dnata’s ‘OneCargo’ system which automates key business and operational functions, including safety and quality monitoring, reporting and ULD management, with an integrated, cloud-based platform. 
   
• Dubai, UAE: dnata Logistics is developing a new 57,000m² cargo centre at Dubai South, backed by a US$ 27 million investment. Due for completion by the end of 2025, the facility will process up to 400,000 tonnes of cargo annually.  The fully temperature-controlled warehouse will feature a mix of very narrow and wide aisle racking, along with truck loading and offloading areas to optimise operational efficiency.

Clive Sauvé-Hopkins added: “These projects are designed to deliver measurable gains in performance, traceability and resource efficiency. They form a key part of our long-term strategy to enhance service quality while building a more resilient, data-driven cargo operation.”

dnata leadership to speak at World Cargo Symposium 

dnata executives will take part in key discussions at the IATA World Cargo Symposium, sharing perspectives on innovation, digital infrastructure, and the industry’s path to greater operational and environmental efficiency.

These include:

• 15 April, 10:00 – 10:30, Opening plenary, Executive roundtable
  Clive Sauvé-Hopkins, CEO, Airport Operations
   
• 15 April, 16:00 – 16:45, Opening plenary, Digital transformation & AI Use Cases
  Carly Abbott, Vice President, IT Product Delivery
   
• 16 April, 09:10 – 09:25, Sustainability stream, Keynote
  Noor Salman, Vice President, Cargo Business Support
   
• 16 April, 09:15 – 09:30, Digitisation stream, Keynote
  Guillaume Crozier, Chief Cargo Officer
   
• 16 April, 11:30 – 12:30, Safety & Security stream, Spotlight 1: Pharma
  Syed Haris Raza, Vice President of Cargo, dnata USA
   
• 17 April, 09:25 – 10:15, ULD Forum – Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced ULD Operations
  Sam Gould, Head of Cargo Services, dnata Singapore
   

dnata: a leading global cargo services provider

dnata provides quality and safe ground handling and cargo services at more than 90 airports in 16 countries. In the financial year 2023-24, dnata’s teams handled 2.9 million tonnes of cargo globally, which represents a 5% growth year over year.

The award was accepted by Jaffar Dawood, dnata’s Divisional Senior Vice President (DSVP) for UAE Airport Operations. 

Jaffar Dawood said: “Receiving this prestigious regional award for the 14^th time highlights our unwavering commitment to service excellence and ongoing investments in our people, infrastructure and the latest technologies. A sincere thank you to our entire team for their exceptional efforts in achieving this recognition. We will continue to go above and beyond to deliver the promises our customers make,  supporting Dubai’s success and growth as a thriving global aviation hub.”

Over the past year, dnata continued to invest in the latest technologies to enhance its offering across its global network. It successfully integrated autonomous drones into its operations in the UAE, implemented AI-powered solutions in Singapore and continued to roll out One Cargo, its advanced cargo management system, globally to further enhance its cargo handling operations and capabilities. Meanwhile, construction of dnata Cargo City Amsterdam, one of the world’s largest and most advanced facilities of its kind, continued in The Netherlands.

dnata has also continued efforts to enhance environmental efficiency globally. As a result of its consistent investment in renewable energy, electric equipment and process improvement, the company’s carbon intensity measured in kilograms of CO₂ equivalent emissions per aircraft turnaround reduced by over 8% for its ground handling and cargo businesses in the financial year 2023-24. In the UAE, dnata has recently transitioned its entire non-electric fleet to biodiesel at the two Dubai airports, Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum - Dubai World Central (DWC). 

dnata is a leading global air and travel services provider. In Dubai, dnata employs 28,000 staff, delivering world-class passenger, ground handling, cargo and travel services. In 2024, dnata's team assisted over 91.8 million passengers at the two Dubai airports, which represents a 5% growth year over year.

dnata's airport hospitality brand, marhaba, has also seen significant growth with its customer-oriented team enhancing over 2.9 million travellers' journey to date. Having welcomed eight new airlines this year, dnata has provided services to 175 airlines in Dubai.

In his enhanced role, Jaffar will lead the strategy and extensive operations of dnata’s ground handling business across the two Dubai airports, Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) in the UAE.

Jaffar’s responsibilities will include ensuring the company is fully prepared to harness the vast opportunities presented by the future plans for DWC. He will work closely with key industry stakeholders to define the airport of the future, overseeing the development and implementation of innovative processes and technologies.

Jaffar will manage a team of over 20,000 aviation professionals, who serve over 170 airlines and more than 90 million passengers annually.

Jaffar will continue to be based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and report to Clive Sauve-Hopkins, CEO of dnata Airport Operations.

Clive Sauve-Hopkins said: “Jaffar’s promotion reflects his commitment and dedication to innovation and service excellence. His experience and leadership will be of significant benefit as dnata implements the latest technologies to further enhance passenger experience at both Dubai airports.

“In addition to ensuring continued quality and safe ramp and passengers services across our existing operations, he will play a key role in dnata’s successful transition to Al Maktoum International. I wish Jaffar every success in his new role.”

An Emirati national and highly experienced ground handling expert, Jaffar started his career with the Emirates Group in 1992. In his most recent role, he oversaw dnata’s ramp and passenger operations across the Middle East and Africa as Senior Vice President, Airport Operations – UAE and MEA.  His previous positions included VP Customer Services, VP Business Support and DVP Airside Operations.

A trusted partner of over 300 airline customers, dnata provides 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 over 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.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by HE Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, and Steve Allen, CEO of dnata, in the presence of senior executives from both entities.

The facility, which represents an investment of AED 100 million (US$ 27 million), will provide a major boost to the company’s operational capabilities amid rising demand for cargo and logistics services in the region. Capable of processing 400,000 tonnes of cargo annually, it will increase dnata Logistics’ storage capacity by 50% and create over 50 new, direct jobs with the company.

The facility will be equipped with the latest technologies, including automated systems for cargo storage and retrieval (ASRS), and truck loading and offloading. An AI-driven warehouse management system (WMS) will also be implemented, delivering superior efficiency and value for partners. 

In line with dnata’s global sustainability strategy, the warehouse was designed with a laser focus on environmental efficiency. It will feature solar panels, rainwater and energy harvesting systems, as well as smart heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The facility is expected to achieve the global LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification one year after operations begins.

Construction of the warehouse is underway, with completion scheduled for November 2025. Including its newest facility, dnata Logistics will offer world-class services from 11 locations in the UAE.

Sean Bradley, Managing Director of dnata Logistics, said: “We are thrilled to break ground on this new, advanced facility, which represents a pivotal investment in our future growth. As we expand our product offerings and reach new markets, this warehouse will allow us to provide even better services to our customers, while staying at the forefront of operational innovation.

“Our commitment to sustainability is central to this project. From energy efficiency to waste reduction, every aspect of the warehouse has been designed with environmental efficiency in mind. The facility’s innovative features will help us grow responsibly, making a positive impact on the communities we serve.”

Mohsen Ahmad, CEO of the Logistics District at Dubai South, commented: “We are pleased to witness the breaking ground of dnata’s innovative facility, which will add significant value to the thriving Dubai South area. We are committed to supporting dnata’s growth with this new facility as part of an integrated ecosystem, and we remain dedicated to strengthening Dubai’s position as a global logistics hub.”

dnata Logistics offers a comprehensive range of freight forwarding, warehousing and supply chain services to its global customer base, serving partners across various industries. The groundbreaking of its newest facility follows significant investments in infrastructure and offering to meet evolving market needs. Key highlights in recent years include the acquisition of a new warehouse facility at DWC, and the introduction of air import, perishable handling and documentation management services.

dnata Logistics is part of dnata, one of the world’s largest air and travel services provider. In Dubai, dnata employs over 28,000 staff, delivering world-class ground handling, cargo and airport hospitality services to more than 170 airlines and over 90 million passengers annually.

About dnata Logistics

dnata Logistics is part of dnata, one of the world’s largest air and travel services provider. Established in 1976, dnata Logistics is an international multimodal freight forwarder, logistics and supply chain provider. Along with a wide range of transportation and logistics solutions in the 3 and 4PL space, dnata Logistics’ service offering includes customs compliance, project cargo planning, AOG/aircraft parts and ship spares logistics as well as full-service handling of events and exhibitions. The company also provides commercial and private removal services to local and international origins and destinations including a ‘white gloves’ fine art division, while linking the supply chain requirements of customers through its network of partners worldwide. dnata Logistics currently employs over 400 customer-oriented staff.

A GPU is a mobile or stationary device used to provide electrical power to aircraft while they are on the ground. dnata’s first four electric GPUs have already been deployed in its operations, exclusively supporting Emirates Engineering’s services. The remaining 10 units are expected to arrive in November.

dnata’s latest fleet enhancement, which represents a US$ four million investment, is part of its ongoing efforts to enhance environmental efficiency across its operations. The company’s fleet strategy commits to phasing out diesel-powered engines and switching to hybrid, electric, or hydrogen wherever airports have provided the necessary infrastructure.

dnata is also actively engaging with biofuel suppliers to reduce emissions.  Most recently, it has transitioned its entire non-electric fleet to biodiesel at the two Dubai airports, DXB and Al Maktoum - Dubai World Central (DWC).

Jaffar Dawood, Senior Vice President, Airport Operations - UAE and MEA, dnata, said: “Our latest fleet investment underlines our ongoing commitment to using electric equipment wherever the airport’s infrastructure permits. It reflects our focus on environmental responsibility and aligns with both customer expectations and the airport’s sustainability efforts. In addition, it improves operational efficiency and reduces maintenance needs.

“We will continue to promote industry collaboration and advocate for infrastructure improvements to achieve our goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.”

Significant improvement across dnata’s global businesses

dnata recently reported significant improvements across key environmental performance metrics for the financial year 2023-24. As a result of its consistent approach and initiatives, 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.

Reducing emissions through investment in fleet, infrastructure and technologies

Besides its consistent investment in fleet, dnata minimises emissions using renewable energy where available. In some markets, such as the UK and Ireland, it exclusively procures solar and wind energy. Most recently, it has installed solar panels across several facilities in Pakistan and the Philippines to avoid consuming fossil-fuel powered electricity. In the financial year 2023-24, dnata generated 21% more renewable energy and purchased 191% more renewable electricity, than in the same period the previous year.

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 (VTMS); conducts logistics mapping exercises to ensure minimal distances are travelled airside; and optimises shifts and parking slots to avoid excessive fuel burn.

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

IATA’s IEnvA Certification

In September 2023, dnata became the first combined air services provider to receive the International Air Transport Association’ (IATA) environmental management certification as a recognition of its unwavering commitment to sustainability across its diverse portfolio of businesses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).  

This significant step, taken in partnership with Dubai Airports and the Emirates National Oil Company Group (ENOC), is projected to cut CO₂ equivalent emissions by over 3,500 tonnes annually over the lifecycle of the fuel consumed by dnata’s fleet. This is equivalent to over 21 million kilometres driven by an average diesel-powered car.

The initiative has been gradually rolled out across dnata’s extensive ground handling and cargo operations at the two Dubai airports, Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum - Dubai World Central (DWC). It involves a total of 2,500 vehicles, which support the safe and timely operations of over 220,000 flights annually.  

dnata has been already using a blend of biodiesel across its landside fleets at dnata logistics, City Sightseeing Tours, Arabian Adventures, and Alpha Flight Services in the UAE since last summer.

Steve Allen, CEO of dnata Group, said: “Our latest initiative to switch all our non-electric airside vehicles to biodiesel in Dubai is a big step forward in our decarbonisation journey. It demonstrates our dedication to cutting emissions, a core part of our environmental strategy, while maintaining the highest level of quality and safety across our operations.

This achievement wouldn’t be possible without the strong collaboration with Dubai Airports and ENOC, who share our commitment to contributing to the UAE Government’s Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative. We look forward to continuing our partnership to further reduce our environmental footprint and make a positive impact on the aviation industry.” 

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “Sustainability in aviation requires everyone to pitch in, and as the airport operator, we're committed to driving change. Our partnership with dnata and ENOC to introduce biodiesel highlights how collaboration can lead to real progress. While sector-wide solutions are crucial, airports must also score quick wins on the ground.

This shift will benefit all operators of vehicles and equipment operating airside by replacing traditional diesel with a cleaner alternative. Given the significant size of dnata’s fleet both at DXB and DWC, we know this project is vital for a broader sustainable ground support equipment (GSE) strategy, and we're proud to contribute to reducing dnata’s emissions and setting a new standard for the aviation industry.”

ENOC Group has provided dedicated biofuel trucks and fuel stations to support dnata’s transition into biodiesel in Dubai.

His Excellency Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO at ENOC, said, “We are delighted to continue our ongoing cooperation with dnata by delivering biodiesel to their airside fleet and ground support equipment (GSE). This partnership underscores ENOC Group’s commitment to expedite the UAE’s transition to clean and sustainable energy sources under the National Policy on Biofuels. We look forward to enabling clean energy alternatives to further diversify the national energy mix.”

dnata: a key contributor to the UAE’s aviation industry

Since its foundation in 1959, dnata has been playing an important role in the UAE’s aviation industry. Having mirrored Dubai’s growth, the dnata Group presently employs over 23,000 staff and serves over 190 passenger and cargo airlines across the country. Besides its range of air services, dnata operates all airside fuel stations and mobile refuelling services at both Dubai airports.

Significant improvement across dnata’s global businesses

dnata recently reported significant improvements across key environmental performance metrics for the financial year 2023-24. As a result of its consistent approach and initiatives, 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.

Reducing emissions through investment in infrastructure, fleet and technologies

dnata minimises emissions across its businesses using renewable energy where available, and in some markets, such as the UK and Ireland, it exclusively procures solar and wind energy. Most recently, it has installed solar panels in Pakistan and the Philippines to avoid consuming fossil-fuel powered electricity across several facilities. In the financial year 2023-24, dnata generated 21% more renewable energy and purchased 191% more renewable electricity, than in the same period the previous year.

dnata consistently invests in its modern fleet to improve environmental efficiency. Its fleet strategy commits to phasing out diesel-operated engines and switching to hybrid, electric, or hydrogen wherever airports have provided the necessary infrastructure. As a result of its investments in recent years, 65% of dnata’s fleet is now electric in the Netherlands, 44% in Italy, 40% in the UK, and 39% in Switzerland.

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 vehicle idling times, and has key performance indicators linked to the environmental management system. dnata promotes more responsible driver behaviour through education, awareness and training.

IATA’s IEnvA Certification

In September 2023, dnata became the first combined air services provider to receive the International Air Transport Association’ (IATA) environmental management certification as a recognition of its unwavering commitment to sustainability across its diverse portfolio of businesses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

About dnata

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 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. For more information, visit dnata.com.

About Dubai Airports

• Dubai Airports operates both of Dubai’s airports, Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC).
• As an integrator, Dubai Airports works to balance the interests of all stakeholders to maintain aviation growth, protect operational resilience and ensure that service providers collaborate to provide a safe and secure service and improve customer experience whilst maintaining a sustainable business.
• DXB surpassed the 2019 levels of traffic in 2023 by welcoming 87m guests and forecast to reach 92m guests in 2024.
•  DXB is ranked as the world’s number one airport by international passenger numbers for 2023, as announced by the Airports Council International (ACI).
• DWC embodies Dubai's vision for the future of aviation. With expansion plans announced in May 2024, involving a record investment of US$35b, DWC aims to reshape the aviation landscape.
•  Over the next decade, DWC will accommodate 150m passengers annually, eventually expanding to 260m passengers and 12m tonnes of cargo.
• With five runways, futuristic design and seamless intermodal connectivity, DWC aims to revolutionise global air travel, setting new standards for efficiency and passenger experience for the next 50 years.
• High-resolution images of DXB are available here: Media Library
•  For recent updates, refer to our official social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or hashtags: #DubaiAirports #DXB #DubaiWorldCentral.

About ENOC Group

ENOC Group is a leading integrated global energy player and a wholly owned entity of the Government of Dubai that is integral to the Emirate’s success. ENOC owns and operates assets in the fields of exploration & production, supply & operations, terminals, fuel retail, aviation fuel and petroleum products for commercial & industrial use. The Group’s general business operations include automotive services, non-fuel F&B retail and fabrication services. Servicing thousands of customers in over 60 markets, the Group employs a multi-national workforce of over 12,500 employees and is deploying its world-class customer service, latest innovations, and technologies as well as best practices to empower the UAE’s social and economic development. For further information, please visit: www.enoc.com.

dnata’s strategic initiative has significantly enhanced operational efficiencies, delivering remarkable benefits for airline customers at both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) airports.  Key results include 20% reduction in processing times on the rack inventories and over 99% accuracy in shipment tracking.

With a strong commitment to innovation and excellence, dnata was the first cargo services provider to introduce drones to its cargo operations in the UAE in 2021. The drones have seamlessly integrated into the day-to-day workflow and warehouse inventory processes. On average, dnata’s drones monitor some 1,800 shipments daily with 99% accuracy across 2,400 rack locations.

The innovative software of dnata’s partner, Gather AI, enables the drones to map the environment, collect inventory data, count cases, measure temperature, and read barcodes using only their cameras, without the need for any additional active infrastructure. The drones are paired to a tablet device providing live inventory data. The collected data can be viewed directly on the tablet or the web dashboard, via a user-friendly application.

With routine tasks automated, human resources can be allocated to more complex responsibilities, ultimately improving overall workforce productivity. The use of drones has also contributed to a reduction in carbon footprint and improved safety by reducing the need for mobile elevating work platforms (also known as ‘cherry pickers’) and man lifts in the warehouse.  

The drones can operate at temperatures between 0 Celsius and +50 Celsius degrees within a closed environment, enabling dnata to take advantage of the technology in its state-of-the-art cool chain facilities, too.  dnata has plans to introduce them at further stations across its global cargo network in the next years.

Guillaume Crozier, dnata’s Senior Vice President for UAE Cargo and Global Cargo Strategy, said: “We are thrilled to witness the outstanding results that our drone technology has brought to our cargo operations. The precision and reliability of these drones have surpassed our expectations, leading to a transformative impact on our efficiency levels. These advancements have a direct positive impact on our airline customers who can benefit from heightened accuracy, reduced turnaround times and smoother logistics operations. The launch of autonomous drones in our operations reflects our commitment to delivering top-notch services through the latest technologies."

Sankalp Arora, CEO & Co-founder of Gather AI, said:  "Gather AI and dnata have already turned the vision of a fully digitised air cargo ecosystem into a ground-breaking reality. Our autonomous inventory drones are not merely futuristic concepts; they are operational game-changers today, enabling real-time transparency into the inventory and air cargo processes. dnata has been at the forefront of the digital revolution in air cargo, and we at Gather AI are proud to be the technology partners that have made this vision come alive."

In recent years, dnata has significantly invested in cutting-edge technologies and digitalisation to further enhance efficiencies across its cargo operations. In addition to the launch of autonomous drones in its warehouses, key milestones include the rollout of its digital cargo management system, OneCargo.

OneCargo automates key business and operational functions, including safety and quality monitoring, reporting and ULD management, with an integrated, cloud-based platform. AI-driven tools and analytics provide enhanced visibility on sales and business performance, allowing customers to match real-time demand with available capacity for maximum profitability. In addition, OneCargo eliminates all redundancies and manual check sheets, substantially improving operational efficiency. To date, dnata has launched OneCargo in its operations in six countries, including Iraq, Pakistan, Switzerland, UAE, USA and Zanzibar (Tanzania) across its global network.

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 award was accepted by Jaffar Dawood, dnata’s Senior Vice President, Airport Operations UAE and MEA, who has also been recognised as Aviation Executive of the Year.

In addition to the accolades, dnata has received commendations for its sustainability initiatives and training programme in Dubai.

Jaffar Dawood said: “We are honoured to receive Aviator Middle East’s prominent award for the 13th time. This recognition underscores our uncompromising focus on safety, commitment to sustainability and spirit of innovation. My appreciation goes out to our outstanding team, whose passion and hard work are at the core of this accomplishment.”

Over the past year, dnata has continued to enhance its operations through strategic investments globally. It established operations in Zanzibar, Tanzania and expanded its footprint in Canada through its partnership with the GTA Group, adding Calgary and Vancouver to its cargo network. In addition, it increased its investment in Air Dispatch to become the sole shareholder of the world’s leading provider of centralised load control services. 

dnata has also taken major infrastructure projects to the next level. In Erbil, it broke ground on a new cargo facility which will add significant expansion to its operations in Iraq. Meanwhile, construction of dnata Cargo City Amsterdam, one of the world’s largest and most advanced facilities of its kind, continued in The Netherlands.

dnata has also invested in cutting-edge technologies and digitalisation to further improve efficiencies across its operations. Key milestones include the continued global rollout of its advanced cargo management system, OneCargo, and the successful integration of autonomous drones into its cargo operations in Dubai, UAE.

dnata has continued efforts to optimise resources across its global network as part of its pledge to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. Previously, the company committed US$ 100 million to implement green technology and initiatives across its businesses to achieve its strategic objective. The company’s recent key initiatives include continued significant investment in infrastructure, green ground support solutions and process improvement.

As a recognition of its unwavering commitment to sustainability across its diverse portfolio of businesses in the UAE, dnata has recently received the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) environmental management certification (IEnvA).

Since its foundation in 1959, dnata has been playing an important role in the UAE’s aviation industry. Having mirrored Dubai’s growth, the dnata Group presently employs over 23,000 staff in the country, delivering world-class services to over 190 passenger and cargo airlines across the UAE.

Globally, dnata 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 Aviator Middle East Awards, previously known as Aviation Business Middle East Awards, are organised by ITP Media Group, the publisher of The Aviator Middle East publication, to honour leadership, business excellence, and innovation across the regional aviation industry.

Jaffar Dawood, dnata’s Senior Vice President, Airport Operations UAE and MEA, said:  “We take the responsibility of looking after young flyers very seriously. Our mission is to ensure a seamless and enjoyable airport experience, removing the stress from their journey and creating lasting memories in our exclusive lounge. We are proud to have earned the trust of thousands of parents with our safe and reliable services, and will continue to take initiatives to further enhance our offering.” 

Highly-trained team

dnata spares no effort in the comprehensive training of its 200-strong team. Its dedicated agents are well-versed in the art of ensuring that unaccompanied minors, aged between five and 12 years old, feel safe and comfortable throughout their airport journey. This entails adeptly selecting appropriate conversation topics and providing informative guidance for a smooth and expected experience for young passengers.

Agents are meticulous in ensuring that all personal documents are correct, right from the identification of the guardian handing over or collecting the minor, to the seamless handover to the cabin crew. 

Exclusive lounge

dnata also operates an exclusive, dedicated unaccompanied minor lounge at Dubai International’s (DXB) Terminal 1. The facility provides a safe, comfortable and entertaining space for young travellers to relax and play before their flights.

It operates round the clock and is equipped with entertainment screens and an array of toys to keep young guests occupied. The lounge staff works closely with airline colleagues to ensure unaccompanied minors are in safe hands and arrive at their gate on time.

30% surge in demand

dnata extends its exceptional services to over 145 airline partners at Dubai’s two airports, Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). In this year alone, dnata’s highly-trained agents have assisted over 6,000 unaccompanied minors from check-in to boarding at DXB and DWC. These figures are set to soar even higher, with a staggering 30% year on year increase anticipated over 2022 numbers.

Customers are advised to contact their airlines for further information on the services. 

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.

As a key strategic partner of Dubai Airports, dnata is set to collaborate closely with authorities and organisers to ensure safe and efficient airside operations throughout the event. dnata will allocate an impressive fleet of 100 pieces of ground support equipment (GSE) and over 30 dedicated staff to support service delivery for a seamless execution.

dnata’s Technical Services team will provide 24/7 support for the GSE throughout the show. The company’s teams will work overnight on each day of the event to ensure all GSE is in perfect condition, refuelled, recharged, washed and cleaned to support all aircraft movements.

Airshow attendees will have the unique opportunity to witness dnata’s advanced, electric pushback tractors in action as they adeptly move some of the world’s largest aircraft.

Steve Allen, CEO of dnata Group, said: “Dubai Airshow continues to be one of the world’s most prestigious aviation events. We take pride in playing a crucial role in ensuring that airside operations run efficiently throughout each day. Our commitment to safety, sustainability and service excellence will be on full display during the event, including exciting demonstrations of our electric pushback tractors. We look forward to connecting with our partners and the broader aviation community at the event.”

Electric Ground Support Equipment on display

Airshow guests will have the opportunity to see the future of sustainable GSE operations at DWC. In the busy world of aviation, ensuring the smooth operation of the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the huge Airbus A380, requires cutting-edge ground support equipment. Part of dnata’s A380 turnaround operations in Dubai is the Kalmar TBL800e electric Aircraft Tractor. This powerful towbarless machine plays a crucial role in the A380’s journey, manoeuvring it away from its stand to kickstart passengers’ trips to their destinations. Possessing a power output of 1000kW, the equivalent of over 1340 horsepower, the tractor is driven by “green” efficiency.

Visitors will also get to see dnata’s newest piece of GSE as it supports the Airshow’s ground movements: the TLD TPX100e electric narrowbody Aircraft Tractor, with its towbarless technology. With the ability to push back aircraft up to 100 tonnes, as large as an Airbus A321 NEO or Boeing 737-10, this vehicle demonstrates the latest in dnata’s innovative and sustainable ground support equipment.

dnata: a key contributor to the UAE’s aviation industry

Since its foundation in 1959, dnata has been playing an important role in the UAE’s aviation industry. Having mirrored Dubai’s growth, the dnata Group presently employs over 23,000 staff in the country, delivering world-class services to over 190 passenger and cargo airlines across the UAE.

Globally, dnata offers quality and safe ground handling, cargo, travel, catering and retail services in 38 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.

Dubai Airshow: one of the largest and most successful events of its kind

Held every two years, Dubai Airshow is one of the largest and most successful airshows in the world. The Airshow connects the entire industry, from commercial and business aviation, defence and military, space, cargo and more, to facilitate successful global trade.

The UK-based airline re-commenced its flights from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) on 30 October, with a four-weekly service to cater for the popular winter travel season, operating a Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Eligible Virgin Atlantic customers will also have access to the marhaba-operated SkyTeam lounge at DXB’s Terminal 1.

In the year 2018 to March 2019, the air services provider’s team provided a warm welcome and assisted almost 180,000 Virgin Atlantic passengers and holidaymakers from over 360 flights between Dubai International and London Heathrow.

Jaffar Dawood, dnata’s Senior Vice President, Airport Operations, UAE and MEA, said: “We are delighted to welcome Virgin Atlantic back to Dubai International. Dubai is expected to be extremely busy with travellers keen for some winter sun, and we look forward to once again working with the airline’s local team to provide their customers with a best-in-class, memorable airport experience.”

Liezl Gericke, Head of International at Virgin Atlantic, commented: “We’ve long wanted to return to Dubai when the time was right, and we know our customers will be over the moon with the reintroduction of this popular route. Nothing sets our hearts soaring like a new destination or reintroducing an old favourite. We look forward to welcoming our customers back on board, whether travelling for business or leisure or heading back to the United Kingdom to reconnect with friends and family.”

Virgin Atlantic has also selected dnata Representation Services to provide a comprehensive range of services to the airline as its general sales agent (GSA) in the UAE. The partnership establishes UAE-based infrastructure for local sales, marketing and distribution support, providing a full range of travel services for Virgin customers flying to and from Dubai.

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.

dnata Representation Services has been selected to provide a comprehensive range of services to the airline as its general sales agent (GSA) in the UAE. The partnership establishes UAE-based infrastructure for local sales, marketing and distribution support, providing a full range of travel services for Virgin customers flying to and from Dubai. dnata’s services will support the airline as it gears up to resume flights between London Heathrow (LHR) and Dubai International (DXB) this month.

Flights are now available for customers to book, and will operate from 30 October 2023 through to March 2024 with a four-times weekly seasonal service.

Simon Woodford, Vice President Global Air Services at dnata Travel Group, said: "dnata Representation Services previously served as Virgin Atlantic’s GSA in the UAE, and we are delighted to be working with this dynamic airline as it makes its exciting return to Dubai. Our experienced team will work hard to support Virgin Atlantic in achieving its business objectives and growth plans, as the UAE continues to prove a top destination of choice for UK travellers."

Liezl Gericke, Head of International at Virgin Atlantic, commented: "We’ve long wanted to return to Dubai when the time was right, and we know our customers will be over the moon with the reintroduction of this popular route. Nothing sets our hearts soaring like a new destination or reintroducing an old favourite. We look forward to welcoming our customers back on board, whether travelling for business or leisure or heading back to the United Kingdom to reconnect with friends and family."

The new service is set to offer seamless connections and consistent long-haul onboard experiences for customers connecting from Dubai via London Heathrow to destinations throughout North America across both the Virgin Atlantic and Delta networks, including New York, Seattle, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

The new route will be served by the airline’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft boasting 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium and 192 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats, with return Economy Class fares starting from AED 2,050 per person.

Find out more about dnata Representation Services at www.dnata.com/travel; and explore more on Virgin Atlantic and latest available flights from London to the UAE and beyond, at www.virginatlantic.com.

Steve Allen, CEO of dnata Group, said: “As we mark Civil Aviation Day in the UAE, it is an honour to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the local aviation industry alongside the authorities, our partners and team.

“Since its foundation in 1959, dnata’s journey has been one of dedication, innovation and relentless commitment to service excellence. We are extremely proud to see how our company and its hardworking teams have played an instrumental role in the success and growth of Dubai and the UAE aviation industry. 

“Aviation is a vital driver of economic progress, and we look forward to contributing to the UAE’s further development by consistently providing best-in-class services across our diverse operations.”

dnata was founded in January 1959 with just two staff operating solely as a UAE-based travel agency. Since then, it has constantly expanded its operations and services, growing to become pivotal to the success and growth of Dubai, and of the country’s aviation industry.

dnata’s milestones over the past 64 years include:

• Playing an instrumental part in the design of the original Dubai International airport (DXB) in the 1960s and its three terminals
• The first aircraft turnaround at DXB’s newly-opened terminal in 1971
• The launch of marhaba and its renowned airport hospitality services in 1991
• Its expansion into Dubai World Central airport (DWC) in 2010     
• The opening of a new export customer service centre and Cargo Integrated Control Centre at Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA) in 2016
• The completion of the UAE’s first “green” turnaround of a flydubai aircraft at DXB in 2019, an achievement made possible by consistent investments in zero-emission, electric ramp ground support equipment.

Having mirrored Dubai’s growth, the dnata Group presently employs over 23,000 staff, delivering world-class services to over 190 passenger and cargo airlines across the UAE. Every day, the company’s customer-oriented professionals assist over 86,000 passengers, handle over 220,000 bags, manage 580 safe aircraft turnarounds and move 1,600 tonnes of cargo in Dubai. Besides, marhaba’s best-in-class Lounge and Meet & Greet services ensure a smooth and memorable airport journey for over 8,000 passengers per day. dnata also provides over 25,000 meals each day through its Alpha Flight Services joint venture in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.

Further to its success in the UAE, dnata took a huge leap forward with the launch of its first overseas operation, Gerry’s dnata in Pakistan in 1993. This strategic move led the way for the expansion of dnata’s global operations through acquisitions, partnerships, as well as organic growth over the past three decades. dnata has evolved into a leading global player in the aviation, catering & retail and travel industries that currently provides quality and safe services in more than 30 countries across six continents.

IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) is a certification programme developed to independently assess the commitment of aviation stakeholders such as airlines, airports, cargo handling facilities, freight forwarders, and ramp handlers, to continuously improve their environmental and sustainability performance.

IATA’s comprehensive evaluation encompassed 74 mandatory and all three optional modules, rigorously assessing dnata’s sustainability practices and efforts across its extensive operations in the UAE. In addition to its corporate Headquarters, ground handling and cargo businesses, dnata’s airport hospitality brand, marhaba, and inflight catering joint venture, Alpha Flight Services (Alpha), have also been certified through IEnvA’s hospitality module. DUBZ, dnata’s baggage technology and logistics company, also received the certification. This remarkable outcome attests to dnata’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of sustainability.

Steve Allen, CEO of dnata Group, said: “We are immensely proud to be the first combined air services provider to achieve the full scope of the IEnvA certification in the UAE. This accomplishment speaks volumes about our team's dedication to sustainability and responsible business practices across our operations. We will continue our investments in people, infrastructure and equipment to maximise environmental efficiency, while consistently delivering best-in-class services for our customers and travellers in the UAE and beyond.”

Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President, Sustainability and Chief Economist, commented: “I would like to extend my most sincere congratulations to dnata for achieving full IEnvA Certification in the UAE. This is a remarkable achievement that reflects their unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability and responsible business practices. I commend the efforts of everyone involved and wish dnata continued success in their role of our industry's sustainability journey.”

dnata recently announced that it was on track to reduce its carbon footprint and waste to landfill by 20% by 2024 as part of its two-year green operations strategy. Previously, the company committed US$ 100 million to implement green technology and initiatives across its businesses to achieve its strategic objectives. The company’s recent key initiatives include continued significant investment in infrastructure, green ground support solutions and process improvement.

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.

dnata’s latest initiative is part of its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and waste to landfill by 20% by 2024 in line with its two-year green operations strategy. In June 2022, dnata announced that it would invest US$100 million in green operations in two years to further enhance its environmental efficiency globally.

dnata’s group brands cutting fossil fuel dependence

dnata Logistics has switched 31 of its trucks to be run on a biofuel blend at its Dubai-based hub. Providing multimodal freight forwarding, logistics, supply chain and road transport services, its trucks cover up to a total 217,000 kilometres per month. The move saves almost 35 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year, the equivalent of eight petrol-powered cars driven for one whole year.

City Sightseeing Dubai, a joint venture with dnata Travel Group, operates three tour routes, providing elevated viewing of Dubai’s top attractions, through the use of 21 open-top, biofueled buses. These cover an average 76,000 kilometres per month, removing over 32 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year: the equivalent of the electricity use of four average homes for 12 months.

Alpha Flight Services (Alpha), dnata’s inflight catering joint venture, has already switched five landside vehicles to biofuel blend, and is also in the process of transitioning all of its Sharjah-based airside catering trucks. Alpha now sends its used cooking oil to the biofuel manufacturer and once recycled, it is then re-used within its vehicles. Research shows that one litre of oil recycled into biofuel avoids the emissions of 3kg of CO₂, a reduction of 92% compared to diesel fuel use. Alpha’s vehicles cover over 27,000 kilometres per month, supporting the company’s extensive catering operations that create over 25,000 meals a day. As a result of the initiative, Alpha will save seven tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year, the equivalent of charging over 850,000 smartphones.

Arabian Adventures has also switched the generators at its desert safari camps to a biofuel mix. The most experienced tour and safaris operator in the UAE, offering true Arabian hospitality, desert safaris, experiences and dune buggies, is saving almost five tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year as a result of the initiative. This equates to 1987 litres of diesel.

Besides its recent investment in landside operations, dnata has significantly invested in the electrification of its ground handling fleet across its global airport operations to reduce emissions, with more than 15% of the company’s global fleet now electrified. However, dnata understands that electrification is not the only solution for all vehicles throughout its group, and invests in a mix of equipment types and renewable fuel sources to maximise environmental and operational efficiency globally. It already operates biodiesel, electric and hybrid vehicles as well as actively exploring the use of hydrogen-powered equipment in its operations.

dnata’s other recent key initiatives include continued significant investment in renewable infrastructure, low-emissions ground support solutions and process improvements to optimise fuel efficiency. dnata continues to make significant investments in renewable energy including the installation of rooftop solar panels across its existing facilities, and capture and recycling of grey water or rainwater for conservation.

Waste to landfill focus

In order to reduce its environmental footprint in ways other than emissions, dnata is determined to reduce waste to landfill, and is collaborating with industry leaders and policymakers on the treatment of international catering waste. In addition, dnata is investing in sustainable solutions to recycle cargo waste materials, such as transport belts and nets. In close co-ordination with the airport community to enhance the segregation and retrieval of recyclables airside, dnata is targeting a 20% diversion of waste from landfill by 2024.

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 most popular imported products handled into Dubai included fruit and vegetables such as mangoes, strawberries, tomatoes, avocadoes and cherries, primarily from locations in Europe, the Far East, South Asia and Africa. dnata also managed the export of a significant quantity of local UAE perishable goods, including large shipments of frozen fish to Ethiopia, bread and yoghurt to Djibouti, and fresh milk to Somalia.

Best-in-class infrastructure and equipment

dnata continues to make significant investments in infrastructure and equipment to ensure efficient and safe handling of perishable goods. With ambient temperatures rising to over 40° Celsius during the summer in Dubai, dnata’s cutting-edge facilities are equipped to maintain all IATA standards for temperature control ranges at all stages of the cargo handling process. This includes transportation to and from the aircraft in high-tech ‘cool dollies’, specially designed to serve perishable and pharmaceutical industries with a closed temperature-controlled system. 

dnata’s cool chain facilities at its Dubai World Central (DWC) hub provide a total of 22 separate storage areas, offering a range of temperatures from -20°C Deep Freeze through to Refrigeration and 25°C Controlled Room Temperature.

Guillaume Crozier, dnata’s Senior Vice President, UAE Cargo & Global Cargo Strategy, said: “We are committed to consistently investing in infrastructure and the latest, digital technologies to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global cargo hub. Despite extreme weather conditions in the summer, our world-class facilities, advanced equipment and close cooperation with our partners and authorities ensure that each piece of perishable cargo remains at its optimum storage temperature throughout the transportation process. We will continue to enhance our operations and processes to maximise efficiency and deliver the highest value for our customers globally.”

Leading handler of Pharma

dnata plays a key role in the safe handling of pharmaceuticals and vaccines in Dubai. Its facilities include dedicated Deep Freeze and refrigerated storage for health care and life sciences products. It maintains Key Performance Indicators established by CEIV, with the ability to deliver shipments within two hours of flight arrival.

dnata’s Dubai cool chain facilities were integral in the safe handling of global Covid-19 vaccines transportation, and in the 12 months up to 31 March 2023, it handled close to 8,000 tonnes of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals. 

dnata’s Dubai cargo facilities at both DWC and Dubai International (DXB) airports are certified by IATA’s Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma). This demonstrates the company’s ability to move pharmaceutical products under the strictest standards.

Close collaboration with authorities

After the offloading process from the aircraft is complete, imported goods are transported to the dnata warehouse facility via cool dollies and moved directly into temperature-controlled storage depending on their requirements. They are then inspected by stakeholders where required including Dubai Municipality, Ministry of Health, and Customs to ensure product quality, and health and safety standards are met. Once approved, goods are then dispatched to the awaiting customer.

Large-scale shipments

Due to its ideal global logistical location, dnata’s vast Dubai facilities handle and safely store a broad range of cargo, working closely alongside the company’s airline partners. These products either arriving, transiting or departing to and from destinations around the world, range from clothing and shoes, to vehicles and aircraft engines. 

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 38 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.

In June 2022, dnata announced that it would invest US$100 million in green operations in two years to further enhance its global environmental efficiency globally.

Steve Allen, CEO of dnata Group, said: “We are proud to have made significant progress on improving our environmental performance since the announcement of our strategic objectives. I thank each member of our team for their hard work and contribution to our green initiatives that help us make a difference across our global operations. 

“We will continue our investments and efforts alongside our partners to further reduce our environmental footprint.”

Investing in renewable energy

As part of its efforts to further improve global resource efficiency, dnata has continued to make significant investments in renewable energy. This includes the installation of rooftop solar power systems across its existing facilities.

dnata has installed solar panels at its operating facilities in Singapore, and at its SnapFresh facility in Australia. These generate over 4,300 MWh of renewable electricity annually, saving approximately 1.85 million kilogrammes of carbon dioxide emissions. Phase 1 of a solar PV panel installation in Pakistan also commenced, which is expected to generate 244,000 kWh per annum. Furthermore, all electricity purchased in the UK and Ireland is from renewables from local grids.

Conserving water

In addition to solar power, dnata is investing in systems to collect and re-use condensate from air conditioning units and rainwater at both of its existing and new facilities. These initiatives optimise water usage and associated costs.

dnata’s new 20,000m2 cargo facility in Iraq, which will begin operations in 2024, will include environmentally sustainable features including a rooftop rainwater harvesting system. This will capture, treat and store rainwater in underground tanks, feeding irrigation systems within the facility as well as for potable uses, achieving a 50% saving on water costs by 2025. The system has also been configured in the Philippines using the same technology, but to collect and recycle rainwater for drinking and washing purposes. This technology will also shortly be implemented at dnata’s Singapore facilities.

With the UAE’s dry climate, dnata has installed a Reverse Osmosis Plant to re-use condensate water from the cooling systems in its cargo warehouses in Dubai. This has resulted in 5,000 litres of water per day being reused for washing and cleaning.

dnata also launched a bottle-free drinking water system at its Corporate Headquarters, dnata Travel Centre and Alpha catering facilities, which will reduce plastic consumption and conserve over 95,000 litres of bottled water per year.

Transforming GSE fleet and using biofuels

dnata continues to invest in the electrification of its ground handling fleet, and the use of biofuels where feasible, to reduce emissions. More than 15% of the company’s global fleet is now electrified. dnata is continuing to support its global airport partners to prepare the infrastructure for further electrification.

dnata understands that electrification is not the only solution to its ground handling fleet strategy. It carefully considers airports’ climatic conditions and available infrastructure, and invests in a mix of equipment types, including biodiesel, electric, hydrogen and hybrid to maximise environmental and operational efficiency globally.

As part of the crucial role that it plays during busy winter operations in Switzerland, dnata added five new hybrid de-icing trucks to its ground support equipment (GSE) fleet in 2022. This increased the number of electric GSE in its operations in the country to 35%. In The Netherlands, dnata switched to 100% biofuel for all its legacy GSE fleet in January 2023, marking another milestone in its sustainable journey in Amsterdam, where 55% of its fleet is electric.

Reducing waste to landfill

In order to reduce its carbon footprint in ways other than emissions, dnata is determined to reduce waste to landfill, and is collaborating with industry leaders and policymakers on the treatment of international catering waste. In close co-ordination with the airport community to enhance the segregation and retrieval of recyclables airside, dnata is targeting a 20% diversion of waste from landfill by 2024. In addition, dnata is investing in sustainable solutions for cargo waste materials, such as transport belts and nets that are currently destined for landfill.

dnata Catering’s retail division is also working closely with its airline partners, introducing the pre-ordering of passenger inflight meals. This cuts significant food wastage, and therefore the need for airlines to burn larger quantities of fuel to transport heavier aircraft, reducing emissions.

IATA’s IEnvA Programme

In December 2022, dnata signed up to the IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) programme, based on globally recognised environmental and sustainability standards, as well as industry best practices. It is a commitment to continually improve environmental sustainability within the aviation field and is focused specifically on dnata’s core operations. These include cargo handling facilities, catering, freight forwarders, and ramp handlers. dnata is working towards full certification prior to the end of 2023.

United Nations Global Impact

dnata also joined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), a voluntary global initiative that promotes responsible business practices, and the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals. dnata has committed to implement the Ten Principles of the UNGC in the areas of human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption. dnata will benefit from access to the UNGC’s extensive tools and resources to engage with its employees across the globe and improve their learning and training in Sustainability.

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 38 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.

dnata handles luggage for over 100 airlines and millions of passengers travelling to 253 destinations from DXB. Merging and processing the flow of passenger baggage and cargo between three terminals, and ensuring the right items are loaded onto the right aircraft at the correct time requires meticulous planning and significant people power. During peak time operations over 1,300 dnata staff work in close synchrony to deliver every piece of baggage in a timely manner, helping airlines maintain their schedule and provide an excellent customer experience.

Finely crafted operation

While passengers make their way through any of DXB’s three terminals, dnata’s operation of military precision is taking place up to five floors below their feet. DXB’s Baggage Handling System (BHS) transports luggage using innovative conveyor belts and lifts that move both departing and arriving bags. Under the concourse floors of Terminal 3 alone, 160 kilometres of baggage tracks spiral around.

The process to guide a bag to its destination begins from 180 minutes before the scheduled time of departure. Any bags checked in prior to this are held in T3’s automated Early Bag Storage facility, with a capacity of 15,000. The departing bag, transported on its distinctive yellow tray linked to the bag’s luggage tag for accurate tracking, will be security screened up to five times as it makes its way through the system. It then progresses to its awaiting container, or Unit Loading Device (ULD), before being transported on to the aircraft.

As they move through the BHS at up to 2.5 metres per second, the bags then enter a safe, high-speed transfer tunnel, shooting along at 7.5m/s, faster than the passenger trains in the adjacent tunnel.

DXB: a world transit hub

With Dubai perfectly positioned as a global hub, many passengers and bags are in transit to their final destination. Of all passengers arriving into Terminal 3 in 2022, 64% were transiting, while at Terminal 2 transit traffic accounted for 45% of all passengers.

Preparation for the transfer of bags to their destination, begins mid-flight. By six hours before the flight’s arrival at DXB, dnata will be ready to accept the bags, knowing how many on each aircraft it needs to transfer, as well as the size, weight and final destination of each one.

Despite this huge hub complexity, dnata consistently delivers world class baggage services at DXB with success rates that significantly outperform the industry average.

Meticulous planning

The ULD’s position on each aircraft also needs to be carefully planned, based on where the bags are headed and their priority level. For instance, many airlines expect bags of their First Class customers to be given top priority, and bags earmarked for transfer also need to be handled immediately and efficiently.

That process can be complicated by baggage that cannot enter the main system, due to being oversized or unusual. Items such as televisions, sports equipment, child’s car seats and even holy water requiring manual handling, and these odd-sized items account for about 5% of total baggage.

The whole operation is carefully monitored and managed by the BHS Control Room, located below the T3 Arrivals Baggage Hall. Here, a giant digital screen projects the entire colour-coded Baggage Handling System, alongside CCTV footage, and operators keeping a close eye on various portions of the massive operation 24/7/365.

Jaffar Dawood, dnata’s Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations, said: “dnata is proud to serve the millions of passengers who pass through the world’s largest airport.

“dnata ensures that passengers travel with the confidence that their luggage will be handled efficiently and safely, and will meet them at their destination. This is made possible by the intricate logistical planning by our teams, and the handling by baggage personnel every hour of each day. This keeps flights moving on time and passengers and cargo arriving on schedule.”

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.

Highly trained team provides point-to-point assistance

dnata’s Special Handling unit offers point-to-point assistance to People of Determination, supporting 1.3 million passengers annually throughout their airport journey across DXB’s three terminals. All 1,300 customer-oriented staff at dnata receive comprehensive training prior to joining operations.

Training at dnata focuses on customer service, and for employees to understand the unique needs of People of Determination. It also tackles the handling of special equipment such as the three types of adult wheelchairs provided by dnata: a conventional wheelchair; a STAXI wheelchair which incorporates a baggage stowage area below the chair; and a cabin wheelchair used for passengers with special needs who require assistance to and from the aircraft seat, and which is specially designed to fit in the aisle of an aircraft.

Consistent investment in advanced equipment

dnata’s equipment for passengers with special needs are designed for differing levels of needs. Based on the feedback from customers during the AccessAbility Expo in Dubai, the company’s most recent initiatives include the procurement of wheelchairs specially designed for children. To be introduced later this year, these new wheelchairs will offer a better fit for children and make young travellers feel more safe and comfortable.

The company’s fleet also includes medical high-loaders to help those with mobility issues access aircraft parked at remote stands. dnata also possesses a ProMove Sling, an innovative moving and handling device for passengers with limited mobility. The light and portable sling’s strategically placed handles make lifting a passenger from their aircraft seat to the cabin wheelchair a dignified process without service staff having to touch the POD, and also reduces the possibility of injury.

Jaffar Dawood, dnata’s Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations, said: “dnata’s Special Handling division continues to lead the way in providing world-class care and respectful handling of People of Determination, at the world’s largest international airport.

“We will continue in our efforts to provide the best possible airport experience for passengers with special needs through innovative solutions to maintain the highest standards of service to our customers and their passengers.”

dnata offers ground handling, cargo, travel, catering, and retail services in 38 countries across six continents.  In the first six months of the financial year 2022-23, dnata’s customer-oriented teams handled more than 347,000 aircraft turns, moved over 1.35 million tonnes of cargo, uplifted 50.5 million meals, and recorded a total transaction value (TTV) of travel services of US$ 1.3 billion.

The sports event was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman & Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group, at an official ceremony with the presentation of a signed World Padel Academy jersey, representing the venue of the upcoming tournament.

Sheikh Ahmed said: “At the Emirates Group, we recognise the vital role that sports play in promoting health, inspiring people, and building strong teams. Our sponsorship activities underline our longstanding commitment to support events and initiatives that contribute to the wellbeing of communities. dnata’s padel tournament will offer both participants and fans a great opportunity to experience the power of sports and the benefits they bring.”

Embracing one of the world’s fastest growing sports by participation, dnata Government Travel initiated the padel event to engage with government entities across Dubai and the Northern Emirates. It aligns with the city’s vision and objectives to make Dubai the happiest city on Earth and provide citizens and residents with opportunities to embrace an active and healthy lifestyle.

On the occasion, Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO at du, said: “We are pleased to partner with dnata Government Travel to further accelerate for technology innovation in line with the UAE leadership’s vision to build a futuristic, knowledge-based economy. As part of our continuous support for Vision 2030 and improving lives by offering the latest and best-in-class technologies to customers, du experts will explore the potential of ChatGPT at the event. Reaching a million users in just five days, this AI platform is set to empower businesses, augment our capabilities, and drive efficiencies.”

Representatives from Government entities across Dubai and the Northern Emirates are invited to participate in the tournament, which will take place from 8 -10 March 2023, at the World Padel Academy Dubai. Members of the public can attend to observe the ‘knock-out’ tournament and participate in a series of raffle draws, games, and other entertainment. Unmissable prizes have been offered by event partners including Crown & Champa Resorts and Taj Hotels. Fans will also be able to enjoy gastronomic delights served by popular local brands G.O.A.T. Burger and Smash Speciality Coffee.

The event will follow on from the ‘GOV GAMES’ series, a unique team building initiative launched in 2018 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, which will take place in early March.

The new event forms part of the dnata Travel Group’s continued commitment to sports travel.

To find out more about dnata Government Travel, please access: www.dnata.com/travel. To make an enquiry on the ‘Government Travel Padel Tournament’, government employees are encouraged to contact their dedicated customer relations manager.

Jaffar Dawood, dnata’s Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations, who accepted the award on behalf of dnata, said: “Winning this honour for the 12th time is a recognition of our team’s outstanding efforts to consistently deliver world-class services for our airline partners and their customers.  We will continue to invest in our people, infrastructure and equipment to be the best in everything we do.”

Over the past year, dnata has continued to scale up operations to support its airline customers’ increased flight operations across more than 120 airports around the world. This included the opening of new, state-of-the-art cargo centres in London, UK and Erbil, Iraq and the expansion of its existing facility in Dallas, USA. In addition, dnata expanded its cargo operations into Cologne, Germany through a strategic acquisition and announced a major, US$200 million investment in a fully automated cargo centre, dnata Cargo City Amsterdam, in The Netherlands. 

dnata also invested in cutting-edge technologies and digitalisation to further enhance efficiencies across its operations. Key milestones include the rollout of its digital cargo management system, OneCargo, the development of a next-generation e-commerce platform, and the launch of autonomous drones in its warehouses. 

dnata has also continued efforts to optimise resources and reduce its environmental footprint across its global network. Most recently, it has installed renewable energy tech, such as solar panels, heat recovery units and electric vehicle charging, at its existing facilities in the UK and Singapore. dnata will also incorporate carbon reduction initiatives in the construction and operation of its new cargo centres in Iraq and The Netherlands.  

dnata offers ground handling, cargo, travel, catering and retail services in 37 countries across six continents.  In the first six months of the financial year 2022-23, dnata’s customer-oriented teams handled more than 347,000 aircraft turns, moved over 1.35 million tonnes of cargo, uplifted 50.5 million meals, and recorded a total transaction value (TTV) of travel services of US$ 1.3 billion.

As football fever grips the globe, dnata’s highly trained teams of ground handlers, passenger and ramp agents have ensured that fans make a smooth passage through Dubai World Central airport (DWC). With airlines introducing ‘shuttle flights’ operating between Qatar and nearby Gulf states, Dubai has become a popular transiting destination for fans attending tournament games.

dnata’s services between DWC and Doha have enabled more than 600 safe aircraft movements in the first fortnight of the competition. To execute this, over 270 passenger and ramp agents have been re-positioned from existing positions at Dubai International airport (DXB). A total of 90 pieces of ground support equipment (GSE) are used to service aircraft, including zero-emission electric baggage tractors, conveyor belts and a push-back tug.

For those fans wishing to take their experience to another level, a warm greeting will be received in DWC’s marhaba lounge. Supporters can keep up to date with the tournament with super-fast Wi-Fi and enjoy complimentary international cuisine before they make their trip. marhaba’s Meet and Greet services are also available for fans who wish to further improve their experience.

Jaffar Dawood, Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations, dnata, said: “We are dedicated to ensuring an excellent journey for all football supporters by providing a swift and efficient service at DWC, so that they can enjoy their fan experience for as long as possible. We thank our airline partners for their trust in our services, and will continue to support their initiatives.”

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 global 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.

For the next weeks, travellers at Dubai International (DXB) airport might be able to spot dnata’s eye-catching pink equipment while waiting for their flight.

Steve Allen, CEO of dnata Group, said: “Each October, our teams come together and collaborate with local charities to increase awareness of breast cancer and raise funds for research into a cure for the disease. This year we will continue our efforts to support this important cause and make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.”

dnata’s high-powered pushback tractors play a crucial role in making sure aircraft are positioned precisely on the taxiway for taxi and take-off. The most powerful of this ground support equipment (GSE) type can push back a fully loaded Airbus A380 aircraft. dnata currently employs around 170 licenced operators to handle the pushback tractors whose engine capacity ranges from 100 to 750 horse power. The pushback tractor is connected to the aircraft either directly or through a tow bar. Every day, dnata handles over 450 push backs at DXB.  

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, held in October every year, was created to promote screening and prevention of the disease. Since 1985, individuals, businesses, and communities have come together to show their support for the many people affected by breast cancer. 

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. 

The partnership will see Alpha Flight Services invest in infrastructure and provide inflight catering services to more than 10 airlines at the airport. In addition, it will operate three F&B outlets, the airport lounge and a number of vending machines at RKT.

Mark Whelan, General Manager of Alpha, said: “We are proud to have earned the trust of Ras Al Khaimah airport and look forward to contributing to its success and growth over the next decade. Our significant investment, broad experience, and passion for excellence will ensure world-class culinary and airport hospitality experiences for passengers flying to and from RAK. We will constantly enhance our offering to deliver innovative products and services that travellers value both on board and on the ground.”

His Excellency Engr. Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of The Department of Civil Aviation, Ras Al Khaimah & Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, said: “With our partnership with the Alpha group, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport looks forward to strengthening our catering services, elevating the passenger experience at the airport, and exploring together the ample number of opportunities available to enhance the business.”

Atanasios Titonis, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, said: “We are excited to start this new long-term partnership with Alpha Flight Services at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport as we build our profile in refining the customer experience in the food and beverage field as well as lounge and flight catering. This is an important step for us as we embark on our journey towards transitioning into a tourism centred destination airport.”

Alpha Flight Services has been operated by global air and travel services provider dnata since 2010. In recent years, the company has significantly expanded its operations and currently provides high-quality catering services to customers, including over 30 airlines, from its kitchen near Sharjah International Airport (SHJ).

Furthermore, Alpha operates a total of 11 outlets, including seven café restaurants and four kiosks, an airport lounge as well as a newly upgraded and renovated hotel at SHJ. ‘The Hotel’ features modern design and can comfortably accommodate 200 guests.  Alpha also supports local tourism by providing authentic local meals to the UAE’s leading desert safari provider. Alpha’s team consists of 480 highly trained professionals who prepare seven million meals annually. 

dnata Representation Services has been exclusive distributor for Club Med in the region since 2013. As local traveller demand soars for more comprehensive holiday packages inclusive of meal plans, activities, flights, and transfers, dnata is bringing Club Med experiences closer than ever to the region through exclusive rates, tailor-made packages, and a host of new resorts for 2022.

Known for its ‘Sun’ and ‘Ski’ resorts in sought-after and unique locations worldwide, Club Med continues to grow with new openings, renovations and extensions annually. Its mountain escapes are popular with GCC travellers seeking nature-based holidays including new resorts in the French Alps (La Rosière) and Canada (Quebec Charlevoix) which launched in 2021.

With the launch of 2022’s ‘summer mountain’ holiday season, Club Med offers a playground for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts with six resorts in Europe open until September. The popular hiking, trail, biking and yoga activities on offer are included as part of its all-inclusive concept, bookable in the GCC with dnata Travel. Highly-anticipated for the winter 2022/23 season are new ski resort launches in Tignes and Val d'Isère, the latter being the first of Club Med’s luxury Exclusive Collection Resorts to be located in the mountains.

John Bevan, Divisional Senior Vice President, dnata Travel Group, commented: "We are growing our partnership of almost a decade with Club Med as we expand its presence across the GCC. Demand for travel is at a high, and local trends include a rise in popularity in all-inclusive offerings and nature-based retreats, making Club Med’s ‘summer mountain’ holidays and enhanced winter ski portfolio excellent options for GCC travellers."

In addition to its mountain resorts, popular locations for GCC travellers to book a Club Med holiday with dnata Travel have included beach resorts in the Maldives, Bali, Seychelles, Mauritius and Phuket.

This summer Club Med is also opening a brand-new property in Marbella, Spain. Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Blanca mountains, the resort offers Mediterranean Sea views and a short distance to the city centre. It’s also located in close proximity to Spanish Riviera golf courses, whilst golf practice facilities, tuition and classes are offered within the resort.

Henri Giscard d'Estaing, President of Club Med, added: "Through our enhanced partnership with dnata, we hope to bring more of the Club Med range to the forefront of travellers’ minds across the GCC. Rising in popularity from the Middle East are our offerings in Bali, the Maldives and Seychelles, whilst we anticipate our Marbella resort will be sought-after by the regions’ golf enthusiasts. Our enhanced ‘summer mountain’ product for 2022 offers new ways to experience the beautiful alps in Europe, perfect for travellers seeking a true escape amidst some of the world’s most exquisite natural surroundings, ahead of our resorts opening again for ever-popular ski seasons for winter 2022/2023."

Available to book exclusively through dnata Travel in the GCC, Club Med experiences include accommodation in its range of 3-Trident, 4-Trident and Exclusive Collection (equivalent to 5-Trident or 5-star) resorts. Its all-inclusive packages include accommodation, all-day beverages and cuisine, childcare, entertainment, health insurance, a range of sport and leisure activities, resort transfers, and return flights.

Travellers can find out more about Club Med’s full range of Sun and Ski holidays at www.dnataTravel.com/offers/club-med. To make a booking, travellers can visit the dnata Travel experts at any of its retail outlets, call or WhatsApp 800 DNATA (36282), or email holidays@dnatatravel.com.

Coming soon as part of its enhanced partnership, dnata Travel is set to launch a new Club Med GCC website with a host of packages tailor-made for local travellers, bookable online.

dnata Representation Services has acted as exclusive sales representative in the Middle East for the Banyan Tree Group’s Maldivian properties since 2016. dnata will now provide support for a range of its popular hotels and resorts across Thailand, offering regional travellers exclusive holiday packages and dedicated local support.

Its representation will cover ever-popular Banyan Tree Bangkok in the capital, and multiple properties across the country’s largest island, Phuket. This includes Banyan Tree Phuket, which recently launched a new wellbeing resort – Banyan Tree Veya Phuket – as part of its cluster; Angsana Laguna Phuket, opening this year a highly-anticipated new restaurant, ATOLL, set amidst a lagoon; alongside the Homm Bliss South Beach Patong and Cassia Phuket.

dnata Travel, based across the GCC, recently announced that Thailand is the most popular holiday destination for UAE travellers for summer 2022, while the brand records a surge in popularity for travel to the country across its wider regional operations including in KSA.

Sébastien Doussin, DVP – Global Ground Services & Destination Management at dnata Travel Group, commented: “As one of the Middle East’s longest-standing travel providers, we remain at the forefront of latest traveller trends across the region. Our enhanced partnership with the Banyan Tree Group, owner of some of the world’s most renowned luxury resorts, enables us to support our travellers with excellent hotel packages in some of the most sought-after travel destinations from this part of the world including Thailand and the Maldives.”

dnata’s enhanced coverage of Banyan Tree Group properties in Bangkok and Phuket, two areas of Thailand proving most popular with GCC travellers for summer 2022, comes in addition to its exclusive representation of its three signature hotels in the Maldives, including Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Angsana Velavaru and Angsana Ihuru.

The Maldives islands, which opened to tourists in July 2020, have remained ever-popular with travellers across the Middle East pre-pandemic and ongoing, offering easy access to paradise islands at a short flight time.

Benjawan Meksakul, Regional Director of Sales & Marketing – Thailand & Laos of Banyan Tree Group, added: “We are pleased to appoint dnata Representation Services, a well-known industry company as our Global Sales Agent – Middle East. Having created successes for different hotel brands in the luxury and premium space, dnata’s expertise and rich experience will see them implementing innovative sales and marketing strategies for our Thailand hotels post-COVID and create greater awareness for the global multi-brand ecosystem of Banyan Tree Group in the Middle East market.”  

For more information on the dnata Travel Group and dnata Representation Services’ extensive range of commercial services for hotels and airlines in the Middle East and beyond, visit: www.dnata.com/travel. To discover more on the Banyan Tree Group and its range of luxury properties across Thailand, the Maldives, and beyond, see: www.banyantree.com.

 

About dnata Travel Group 
The dnata Travel Group represents the travel division of dnata, one of the world’s largest air and travel services providers. Part of The Emirates Group, the group’s history is rooted in Dubai and the growth of its pioneering travel industry, evolving to consist of more than 30 leading international travel brands with coverage across the world. The dnata Travel Group is proud to serve its global customers as a leading, award-winning travel services provider with long-standing travel expertise, a wide range of products and services, and high standards of service and safety across all of its operations. Its global businesses cover all aspects of the travel industry from local travel agencies, to global travel consolidators, corporate travel, sports travel, destination management and attractions, airline representation services, and more.

About Banyan Tree Group
Banyan Tree Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group”) is one of the world’s leading independent, multi-brand hospitality groups centred on stewardship and wellbeing while offering exceptional, design-led experiences for the global travellers of today and tomorrow. The Group’s diversified portfolio of hotels, resorts, spas, galleries, golf and residences is centred around an ecosystem of 10 global brands, including the award-winning Banyan Tree, Angsana, Cassia, Dhawa and Laguna, as well as the highly anticipated new brands of Homm, Garrya, Folio and two new Banyan Tree brand extensions, Banyan Tree Escape and Banyan Tree Veya. 

Founded in 1994 on the core concept of sustainability, Banyan Tree Group seeks to create long-term value for all stakeholders and destinations across its network of properties, products and brands, through a purpose-driven mission. With 8,200 associates across 23 countries, Banyan Tree Management Academy (BTMA) was established in 2008 to support the Group’s goals through advancing people development, management excellence, and learning with integrity and meaning. 

Banyan Tree Group has received 2,920 industry awards and accolades since inception over 25 years ago, most recently being named among the Top 25 Hotel Brands in the World by Travel + Leisure. It has also received recognition for its commitment to environmental protection and community development through its Banyan Tree Global Foundation (BTGF), which aligns the Group’s efforts to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Executing on its regionalised growth strategy, the Group’s global footprint continues to grow with 45 new hotels and resorts under design and construction in the pipeline, in addition to 55 operating hotels in 15 countries as of 31 December 2021. As a global industry hospitality leader, Banyan Tree Group firmly embeds its mission to be a business that benefits all stakeholders, for the greater good. 

Banyan Tree Group entered a strategic long-term partnership with Accor in 2016 to develop and manage Banyan Tree branded hotels around the world along with the access to Accor’s global reservations and sales network, as well as the loyalty programme ALL – Accor Live Limitless. It also formed a joint venture with China Vanke Co. Ltd. in 2017 – focusing on active ageing and wellness hospitality projects. 
 

Jaffar Dawood said: “We’re proud to be recognised for consistently delivering safe, quality and innovative services. This award is a testament to our team’s hard work and unwavering commitment to service excellence. We will continue to invest in training, infrastructure and equipment to be the best in everything we do and delight our customers and their customers, every day.”

Over the past year, dnata has continued to adapt business and operations to the rapidly changing environment. The company further enhanced its offering and introduced innovative products and services in response to new customer expectations and business opportunities, while keeping a laser focus on quality and safety.

dnata continued to make strategic investments in infrastructure across its global network. This included the opening of new, state-of-the-art cargo facilities in Manchester (UK) and Lahore (Pakistan), and additional cargo capacity and infrastructure in Sydney (Australia), Brussels (Belgium) and Toronto (Canada). In addition, dnata broke ground on the second phase of the dnata City East project at London Heathrow (UK).

dnata also invested in innovative products, new technology and digitalisation, including hi-tech cool dollies in Australia and Singapore, UV cabin cleaning service in Switzerland, a baggage disinfection station in Singapore, just-in-time freight handling platform in UAE, autonomous drones and thermal screening in the USA, as well as the network-wide rollout of a turnaround tool and IATA’s innovative Dangerous Goods AutoCheck (DG Autocheck) solution.

dnata also inked strategic partnerships to expand its reach. Most recently, it signed a concession agreement with the government of Zanzibar, along with Emirates Leisure Retail and SEGAP. Under the partnership, dnata will oversee the operations of the local airport’s newly-built international terminal.

As one of the world’s leading air services providers, dnata offers quality and reliable ground handling and cargo services at over 90 airports in 15 countries.

In his new role, Guillaume will oversee dnata’s cargo business in the UAE covering Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) airports. Guillaume will be based in Dubai and report to David Barker, dnata’s Divisional Senior Vice President for Airport Operations. Guillaume’s appointment is effective 19 December 2021.

Guillaume has been with dnata since 2011. Most recently he has been responsible for operational performance management as well as innovation and product development across dnata’s global network for both ground and cargo handling products. Previously Guillaume was Chief Operating Officer of dnata Switzerland. Before joining dnata, he fulfilled various managerial roles across the supply chain in several markets.

Guillaume will replace Bernd Struck in his new role. As Senior Vice President, Bernd has been leading dnata’s UAE cargo operations and DWC airline services since 2014 and will retire from his role at the end of the year.

David Barker said: “l’m delighted to announce the promotion of Guillaume to Senior Vice President, UAE Cargo. A customer-oriented leader with an innovative mindset, Guillaume has an outstanding ability to deliver world-class service, quality and safety with his teams. I’d also like to thank Bernd for his substantial contribution to dnata’s success and wish him a happy retirement.”

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.

A highlight for the Group at the prestigious travel industry awards this year includes the success of Arabian Adventures across the following three categories for a second consecutive year: UAE’s Leading Desert Safari Company 2021, UAE’s Leading Destination Management Company 2021, and UAE’s Leading Tour Operator 2021.

Renowned for its UAE-based desert experiences and city tours, Arabian Adventures recently reopened ‘Luxury Desert Camping’ for the 2021/2022 season to the delight of UAE residents and tourists. Recent tour offerings from the brand include innovative game-based city tour ‘Historical Dubai’ working in partnership with Questo, and newly launched private tours of Expo 2020 Dubai.

John Bevan, Divisional Senior Vice President, dnata Travel Group, commented: “We are honoured to be recognised across seven prestigious titles at the World Travel Awards Middle East for 2021. These accolades are part of one of the world’s leading travel industry award programmes, and we are proud to have been acknowledged here amidst what has been one of the most challenging periods in our industry’s history.

“This win marks another positive development in our journey, as the region continues to make clear strides towards recovery. We remain agile in our approach to supporting travellers in their quest to explore more of the world once again, and the range of categories in which we have been successful in today demonstrates our breadth, whilst we continue to grow and evolve to meet changing customer needs.

“dnata Travel Group brands in the Middle East cover every aspect of the travel industry from some of the region’s longest-standing and most respected travel agencies, to quality representation services for more than 30 international airlines in the region. Over the years our brands have earned multiple recognitions for quality and safe services, and we are proud to witness this momentum continue.”

The World Travel Awards serves to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. The awards are voted on by travel and tourism professionals worldwide.

dnata’s 8,500 highly trained staff will provide the highest level of service and safety to 85 airlines and their passengers across three terminals, including Terminal 1 that has recently reopened to accommodate the anticipated growth in demand for travel.

During June, July and August dnata expects to handle over 6,300 flights in Dubai from around the world. This volume means the dnata teams at DXB will handle a flight every 21 minutes, on average.

The people resources required for a turnaround varies; a Boeing 737 takes 16 people, while the A380 super jumbo requires at least 52 people, and is a coordinated effort. Each member of the dnata team has a role they need to execute with extreme precision to ensure the aircraft is ready for its next journey and next group of passengers, baggage and cargo.

Jaffar Dawood, dnata’s Senior Vice President for DXB Airline Services, said: “Although it may take longer than originally predicted, we have no doubts that international travel will return. People will travel to see their friends and families for the first time in years, businesses will once again meet across borders to collaborate, and explorers will return to discovering the world. With our dedicated team, we are prepared to help all individuals and businesses safely reconnect across the world through Dubai and our other hubs by consistently delivering best-in-class services for them at every stage of their journey.”

dnata has been working closely with Dubai Airports to maximise safety for passengers throughout their airport journey, from check-in to boarding. Check-in desks at the airport are installed with protective barriers and expanded waiting areas help passengers observe social distancing. The boarding process is facilitated by dnata’s boarding agents who wear the required PPE and ensure that passengers board in small numbers.

dnata has also enhanced its aircraft cabin cleaning services. The process involves extensive cleaning with a stronger disinfectant, and includes a comprehensive wipedown of all surfaces. The on-board cleaning chemicals are approved by the relevant authorities and proven to kill viruses and germs. They leave a long-lasting protective coating against new contamination of viruses, bacteria and fungi on surfaces, and are eco-friendly. A dedicated quality team and shift managers oversee the cleaning on the majority of flights.

In addition to its ground and passenger handling services, dnata also provides innovative Home Check-in, Meet & Greet and Lounge services for passengers through its airport hospitality brand, marhaba. Taking advantage of marhaba’s innovative solutions, customers can enjoy complete peace of mind throughout their journey, from a quick and easy home check-in process, including COVID-19 testing, to the delivery of their disinfected baggage at their destination airport.

marhaba has implemented a number of measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of passengers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Each Meet & Greet agent has been thoroughly trained on health and safety protocols, and wears a mask and abides by social distancing guidelines while assisting passengers at the airports. marhaba's chauffeurs also adhere to safety protocols, and the cars undergo strict disinfecting procedures after each trip.

marhaba has reopened 4 airport lounges at DXB. All lounges offer touchless payment options and frequently undergo increased cleaning and sanitisation with a specific focus on high-touch surfaces. Senior travellers and their family member can enjoy the services in designated zones.

A global air services provider and the trusted partner of over 300 airline customers, dnata offers 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.

Complementing dnata’s existing infrastructure, the new workshop more than doubles the space of the previous bus maintenance facility. It is located airside, on the South side of DXB, in close proximity to the main bussing operations. The workshop has been designed to maintain the fleet of nearly 200 passenger apron buses and over 100 staff transportation buses operated airside at DXB.

dnata’s new maintenance facility was inaugurated by Jaffar Dawood, dnata’s Senior Vice President for DXB Airline Services, alongside representatives from COBUS Industries.

Jaffar Dawood said: “The Emirates Group has invested in 140 new COBUS apron passenger buses over the last two and a half years to ensure that Dubai Airports have a world-class passenger bussing operation. We are thrilled to expand our maintenance base to further improve the efficiency and quality of our technical services to support the care and maintenance of these assets. Our new facility meets the highest standards, helping us consistently deliver world-class safety and timely maintenance solutions for our customers.”

Robert Powell, Vice President dnata Technical Services, added: “The new facility has been planned to accommodate the maintenance of COBUS passenger apron buses including the extra-long COBUS 3000XL, designed specifically for Emirates. It has new features such as sets of mobile lifting columns, a roof access platform for the safe maintenance of roof mounted air conditioning systems, and an electronics lab to support the repair of the passenger information display systems fitted in the buses. These new technologies will significantly improve the working environment for the skilled dnata technicians maintaining these highly specialised vehicles.”

In keeping the environment a high priority, all of Emirates Group’s COBUS airport buses meet Euro 5 diesel emissions standards, which include diesel particulate filters and lower emission levels, making them some of the cleanest diesel vehicles operating in the UAE. Emirates and COBUS have also agreed to a joint commitment to develop possible future conversion of the buses to electric or hydrogen fuel-cell at some point in their life-span. To support this research and development, COBUS will deploy an electric bus in DXB for operational and endurance testing.

Andreas Funk, CCO / Sales Director of COBUS Industries, added: “We are proud to have dnata as our customer as well as a warranty and maintenance partner for the COBUS airport buses of dnata, Emirates and flydubai for many years. The excellent service of dnata was an important assistance in guaranteeing the highest reliability of our COBUS product. Congratulations to dnata on the new COBUS workshop which certainly serves to keep or even increase the service capability. We look forward to continuing our long-term relationship.”

Choosing green or hybrid options is a prime consideration in dnata’s GSE fleet planning. Over the past years, the company has replaced a large number of its ramp vehicles, GSE and forklifts with hybrid or electric alternatives, cumulating in the first zero-emission aircraft turnaround in Dubai in November 2019.

In addition to its GSE maintenance activities, dnata also offers best-in-class line maintenance support to its airline customers in partnership with Global Jet Technic (GJT). GJT’s highly trained engineers and technicians can provide full line maintenance support and are trained on contracted airlines’ operational procedures, delivering seamless services to customers.

dnata provides ground handling and cargo services at two airports, DXB and DWC, in the UAE. Over the past 12 months, the dnata team handled more than 77,000 flights and moved 570,000 tonnes of cargo in the country.

Besides its ground handling and cargo services, dnata also provides a comprehensive range of airport lounge, meet and greet and baggage delivery services through its airport hospitality brand, marhaba, ensuring a swift, smooth and safe journey for passengers through DXB.

Steve Allen, Executive Vice President of dnata, said: “We are delighted to join forces with a reputable partner to expand our portfolio and provide a broader range of services to our airline customers in Dubai. 

"dnata and GJT share a passion for service excellence, safety and innovation. Our expert teams will ensure smooth delivery of tailor-made, quality line maintenance services across all aircraft types. We look forward to a long-standing, successful partnership with GJT.”

Capt. Khamis Al Kaabi, Chairman of GJT, said: “We value this partnership with dnata, a world-renowned air services provider, very highly and together we are very confident of making a great impact in line maintenance services delivery to the esteemed customers operating to these airports. This strategic partnership will play a key role in tapping into potential business at Dubai International and Dubai World Central airports. I would like to especially thank HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, for his directives and blessings towards this partnership.”

GJT is a leading aircraft maintenance organisation. Approved by the UAE GCAA (General Civil Aviation Authority), the company currently operates line maintenance stations at Dubai International (DXB) and Sharjah Airport (SHJ) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with plans to launch operations at Dubai World Central (DWC) in the near future. GJT’s highly trained engineers and technicians can provide full line maintenance support and are trained on contracted airlines’ operational procedures, delivering seamless services to customers.

dnata provides ground handling and cargo services at two airports, DXB and DWC, in the UAE. Over the past 12 months, the dnata team handled more than 77,000 flights and moved 570,000 tonnes of cargo in the country.

Besides its ground handling and cargo services, dnata also provides a comprehensive range of airport lounge, meet and greet and baggage delivery services through its airport hospitality brand, marhaba, ensuring a swift, smooth and safe journey for passengers through DXB.

Karhoo brings licensed fleets around the world together with travel and hospitality businesses to offer smart mobility solutions to travellers. The company's Mobility Exchange platform provides simple products and integration options allowing partners to natively offer mobility on their websites and mobile apps through a marketplace of 1.8 million vehicles worldwide.

The partnership will see dnata Representation Services offer travel agents access to Karhoo's innovative services, enabling them to seamlessly book reliable airport transfers and offer travellers a truly door-to-door experience. dnata Representation Services will also support partners in integrating Karhoo's Mobility Exchange platform into their website and mobile app to help them further improve customer experience and generate additional ancillary revenues.

Geoff Wood, Senior Vice President, Destination Management and Partnerships, dnata Travel Group, said: "We are proud to be appointed as the exclusive representation partner for Karhoo in the GCC. The Karhoo mobility marketplace for taxis and private cars will help complete the final piece of the travel jigsaw, allowing customers of travel businesses across the region to seamlessly book the first and last mile of their travel journeys. We look forward to a long and successful partnership."

Vanessa Heydorff, Senior Vice President, Karhoo, said: "We're very excited about the partnership with dnata, one of the world's largest air and travel service providers, which goes far beyond everything we've done with our partners in the past. dnata will offer agents and travellers access to the Karhoo mobility marketplace so they can book airport transfers as part of travel packages. Furthermore, dnata becomes our exclusive commercial distributor in the GCC region. All regional travel and hospitality businesses can now turn to the dnata Travel Group to implement seamless mobility on their websites or mobile apps, powered by Karhoo. We anticipate that this new proposition for travellers in the Middle East will improve their overall journey, particularly during the time of the global pandemic." 

Karhoo gives travel agents and travellers access to a marketplace that delivers on average five quotes per ride request, protecting them from 'price surges', offering a fair market price at any given time. Travellers can make an informed choice using Karhoo's transparent service criteria. Karhoo's partnering providers are licensed and comply with local safety and cleanliness standards. Karhoo builds additional trust with driver rating and real-time tracking from the moment the driver has been allocated until the passenger is dropped off. 

dnata Representation Services is the global representation services partner of choice by multiple airlines, hotels, transport, and tourism board partners worldwide. Part of dnata, with its long-standing history in the region and strong brand presence globally, dnata Representation Services provide a comprehensive range of sales, marketing and commercial services to its partners including operations and infrastructure support, ensuring Karhoo will achieve maximum reach in the region to best serve its traveller demographic.

About dnata Travel Group

The dnata Travel Group represents the travel division of dnata, one of the world's largest air and travel services providers. The group's history is rooted in Dubai and the growth of its pioneering travel industry, evolving to consist of more than 40 leading international travel brands with coverage across the world.

The dnata Travel Group is proud to serve its global customers as a leading, award-winning travel services provider with long-standing travel expertise, a wide range of products and services, and high standards of service and safety across all of its operations. Its global businesses cover all aspects of the travel industry from local travel agencies, to global travel consolidators, corporate travel, sports travel, destination management and attractions, airline representation services, and more.

About Karhoo

Karhoo brings licensed fleets around the world together with travel and hospitality brands to create smarter mobility solutions for travellers. The Karhoo Mobility Exchange platform provides simple products (API/SDK and off-the-shelf microsites) allowing partners to natively offer mobility on their websites and apps through a marketplace of over 1.8 million vehicles worldwide. Karhoo is backed by Mobilize, Groupe Renault's new brand dedicated to mobility and energy services.

In response to the strong air cargo market demand for the rapid, reliable and efficient transportation of essential commodities, several airlines have introduced additional cargo capacity during the pandemic by using passenger aircraft with seats fully or partially removed from the cabin. To adapt to changing customer needs, dnata has enhanced services, improved processes and trained more than 500 employees to safely and efficiently handle passenger planes carrying cargo only.

dnata introduced effective procedures across a range of aircraft types. With no existing industry standards to refer to, the company built the necessary procedures from scratch in collaboration with key stakeholders, including IATA and several airline customers. To ensure the procedures were safe, trials were conducted at DXB using various loading and unloading methods across both narrow and wide-body aircraft. This allowed dnata to identify the best and safest procedures to serve cargo-in-cabin flights.

Paul Littlejohn, dnata’s Divisional Vice President for Airside Operations, said: “We are proud to reach this memorable milestone in such a short space of time.

“There was intense demand for airlines to recoup revenue through cargo-in-cabin operations and we needed to be in a position to provide safe and effective ground handling services quickly. Our teams delivered innovative, efficient solutions at great speed while never letting our safety standards drop.

“We continue to work hard to consistently provide the highest level of service and safety to all of our airline customers, every day.”

Although passenger flights have been significantly reduced globally during the pandemic, air cargo demand has remained stable and dnata has been working closely with government authorities, customers and suppliers to maintain global trade and the flow of essential goods.

Most recently, dnata has been focussed on enhancing its pharma handling capabilities. The company has been using the latest technologies and global best practices to ensure that every pharma and vaccine shipment is handled in compliance with the highest international standards. dnata‘s certified warehouses are capable of handling large volumes and can be further expanded to handle the COVID-19 vaccine when demand increases. The company recently announced that it joined forces with Dubai Airports and GMR Hyderabad International Airport to support them in creating a focussed COVID-19 vaccine distribution corridor.

dnata provides quality and reliable ground handling and cargo services at two airports, Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC), in the UAE. In the financial year 2019-20, the dnata team handled over 188,000 flights and moved 700,000 tonnes of cargo in the country.

Besides its ground handling and cargo services, dnata also provides a comprehensive range of airport lounge, meet and greet and baggage delivery services through its airport hospitality brand, marhaba, ensuring a swift, smooth and safe journey for passengers through DXB and DWC.

The partnership will see the two companies promote and sell each other's quality services, enabling their customers to conveniently book and enjoy world-class airport hospitality and maximum safety across an extended network of global hubs, including Tel Aviv and Dubai. flydubai, EL AL Israel Airlines and Arkia Israeli Airlines already commenced flights between the two cities, while Etihad Airways announced plans to launch services in March.

Laufer Aviation's renowned meet & assist services in Tel Aviv can already be booked on marhabaservices.com along with marhaba's entire global offering. Likewise, Laufer Aviation has started selling a range of marhaba's Meet & Greet and Lounge Services to customers.

Both marhaba and Laufer Aviation have implemented a number of measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of passengers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Each meet & greet agent has been thoroughly trained on health and safety protocols, and wears a mask and abides by social distancing guidelines while assisting passengers at the airports. marhaba's lounges offer touchless payment options and frequently undergo increased cleaning and sanitisation with specific focus on high-touch surfaces. Senior travellers and their family member can enjoy the services in designated zones.

Shahab Al Awadhi, Head of marhaba Global, said: "We are thrilled to partner with Laufer Aviation to offer our customers easy access to reliable and safe airport hospitality services in Tel Aviv, while promoting our extensive global offering to Israeli travellers. We expect both companies' quality services to become increasingly popular as airlines commence direct flights between our Dubai base and Tel Aviv. We stay focused on delivering world-class safety and service excellence for all customers at every stage of their journey."

Elad Levy, Acting CEO Laufer Aviation GHI LTD, said: "We are excited to start this partnership with marhaba and to offer our customers a real value in airport hospitality services in Dubai and all over the world. We are sure that both companies will provide unique services and will grow together as the route between Dubai and Tel Aviv will become more popular now that the peace agreement between the countries has been signed. We are happy to be part of this historic moment and to provide all of our customers our top-quality service both in Tel Aviv and in Dubai."

marhaba, which means 'welcome' in Arabic, was launched in the UAE to help passengers arriving in or departing from Dubai International Airport. The popularity of meet & greet services has grown exponentially in line with Dubai's growth as a major international travel hub, and marhaba has continually expanded its product offering with a growing list of services and extra options designed to make the passenger airport experience as comfortable as possible.

marhaba started to expand its global footprint in 2017 by opening new airport lounges in Karachi (Pakistan) and Melbourne (Australia). Since then, it has opened two additional facilities in Singapore and Manila (The Philippines) and substantially increased the capacity of its airport lounges in Dubai. marhaba now operates airport lounges in six countries providing service excellence to passengers with a team of over 800 customer-oriented employees.

The marhaba brand is part of dnata, one of the world's largest air services providers. A trusted partner of over 300 airline customers, dnata offers ground handling, cargo and catering services at 126 airports in 19 countries.

“We’re honoured to receive this prestigious award at the end of a challenging year “, said Tim Walker. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our highly-trained team who have been working hard to deliver the promises our customers make every day, under all circumstances. We stay focussed on safety, innovation and the consistent training and development of our staff to provide the best possible services to our airline partners and their passengers.”

dnata has also received a commendation for a ‘green turnaround’ which it completed in partnership with flydubai. dnata’s dedicated team ensured smooth and safe turnaround of the airline’s Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft using only zero-emission ramp ground support equipment (GSE) at Dubai International (DXB).

The Aviation Business Awards are organised by ITP Media Group, the publisher of Aviation Business Middle East publication, with the aim of honouring leadership and innovation in the regional aviation industry.

In 2020 dnata has continued to deliver reliable and safe air services and taken on new roles to support and create value for airline customers and their passengers amid COVID-19 challenges. Cooperating closely with government authorities, customers and suppliers, the company’s dedicated teams have worked around the clock to make a difference by ensuring smooth and safe turnaround of flights, handling essential cargo and launching innovative new products and services, including thermal screening, baggage disinfection and even home COVID-testing services.

Most recently, dnata has been focussed on enhancing its pharma handling capabilities. The company has been using the latest technologies and global best practices to ensure that every pharma and vaccine shipment is handled in compliance with the highest international standards. dnata‘s certified warehouses are capable of handling large volumes and can be further expanded to handle the COVID-19 vaccine when demand arises.

dnata provides quality and reliable ground handling and cargo services at two airports, Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC), in the UAE. In the financial year 2019-20, the dnata team handled over 188,000 flights and moved 700,000 tonnes of cargo in the country.

Besides its ground handling and cargo services, dnata also provides a comprehensive range of airport lounge, meet and greet and baggage delivery services through its airport hospitality brand, marhaba, ensuring a swift, smooth and safe journey for passengers through DXB and DWC.

The above image is courtesy of ITP Media Group.

ADM enables freight forwarders to book an appointment with the cargo terminal to deliver and pick up consignments. The system considers multiple parameters – such as shipment characteristics, flight details, vehicle types, and other business-relevant factors to determine the optimal slot for delivery or acceptance of goods. A unique feature of the digital platform is its capability to intelligently predict the duration and suggest an appropriate slot based on the historical behaviour of the forwarders and the flight schedule.

ADM has reduced the average freight handling time at dnata’s cargo terminals by more than 60 percent to an average of 30 minutes, meeting the industry’s needs for planning and transparency to avoid costly idle time for carriers, freight forwarders and terminal operators. Furthermore, the platform allows terminal operators to see demand in real-time, enabling them to plan the required resources and serve customers just in time. The solution coordinates with Dubai Customs to schedule inspection activities, too. Further associated business processes within the cargo terminal are also integrated as part of automated process connectivity.

Bernd Struck, Senior Vice President, UAE Cargo and DWC Airline Services, dnata, said: “We are delighted to offer our partners more value by implementing another innovative solution across our Dubai operations.

“ADM is a crucial element in our digital transformation programme. It seamlessly integrates into Calogi, our existing trading platform for the air cargo community, which connects over 800 supply chain partners with 2000 users. We continue to invest in leading technologies to provide best-in-class services to our customers.“

Michael Reichle, CEO of Siemens Logistics, said: "We offer powerful applications for increasing efficiency in freight and cargo process management. We are proud of how the platform in Dubai has improved our customer's business processes.”

As one of the world's leading cargo service providers, dnata handles 700,000 metric tons of cargo per year at the two Dubai airport airports, Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). The ADM integrates around 800 freight handling agents and manages already more than 600 appointments per day, whereby the system is capable of even more.

Over the past few years, dnata has significantly invested in state-of-the-art technologies to deliver the highest possible value for customers. As part of its digital transformation, the company has revisited all of its processes and support functions to ensure that customers get simplified services and timely solutions. In addition to ADM, dnata has also launched One Cargo, an innovative cargo management system that steers all processes and manages all air cargo operations on a single technology platform. One Cargo has eliminated all redundancies and manual check sheets and simplified dnata‘s operations, significantly improving operational efficiency at both Dubai airports.

Most recently, dnata has been focussed on enhancing its pharma handling capabilities. The company has been using the latest technologies and global best practices to ensure that every pharma and vaccine shipment is handled in compliance with the highest international standards. dnata‘s certified warehouses are capable of handling large volumes and can be further expanded to handle the COVID-19 vaccine when demand arises.

Siemens Digital Logistics is a provider of software and consulting solutions for the digital supply chain. ADM is based on the Logistics Platform AX4 which is among the leading IT platforms for managing cross-enterprise supply chain processes and enables digital integration of various players and system environments.

The innovative service of DUBZ enables Emirates passengers departing from Dubai to begin their safe travel experience by completing their home check-in, baggage disinfection, and quickly and efficiently complete their PCR test in the comfort of their home. Customers also have the option to book fast-track marhaba services to help whisk them through airport immigration for an even more contactless on ground experience. Emirates passengers can book their home check-in services online up to 24 hours before their flight and receive the service between 24 hours and 8 hours before scheduled departure time.

Omar Abou Faraj, CEO of DUBZ, said: “It brings me great joy to announce that DUBZ Home Check-In is now available to all Emirates passengers traveling out of Dubai. Innovation is part of the identity at Emirates and DUBZ, and I have high hopes that this collaboration will build on this unique culture of creativity to provide Emirates passengers with a safe and seamless travel experience. With today's challenging environment, such innovation is much needed and demanded by passengers and aviation players alike.”

Customers can easily book their home check-in service on emirates.com. During the safe and convenient home check-in process for Emirates flights, Transguard agents will check in travellers for their flights, issue boarding passes, weigh and tag their sanitised baggage and ensure that they are delivered to the airport and loaded onto the aircraft. Baggage is disinfected with a long-lasting protective coating that lasts for up to 72 hours.

Travellers also have the option to book pre-travel COVID-19 testing in the comfort of their own home. A well-trained medical professional will perform the swab test ahead of the home check-in process, and results are shared with customers digitally. All passengers who test negative for COVID-19 will receive a medical certificate within 24 to 48 hours to meet the entry guidelines of their destination.

The enhanced home check-in service is available for customers across all classes travelling on Emirates flights, with packages starting from AED 169 on emirates.com.

Including Emirates, passengers of over 10 airlines flying out of Dubai can take advantage of the innovative services of DUBZ, with the list of serviceable airlines available on DUBZ.com.

About DUBZ

DUBZ is a technology start-up founded in 2016 by three enterprising individuals. The company identified a niche in enhancing the experience of travellers by providing a convenient home and hotel baggage collection and delivery service that can be booked online 24 hours a day. Utilizing GPS tracking for its vehicles, CCTV screening at its facilities and smartphones for its drivers, DUBZ is able to ensure a secure and hassle-free service to its customers. In 2016, the company was selected as a winner of Intelak, the aviation and travel incubator programme co-founded by the Emirates Group, GE, and Dubai Tourism to nurture travel technology entrepreneurship in the UAE.

To find out more about the services of DUBZ and make a booking, visit DUBZ.com.

In addition to its popular Chauffeur, Airport Meet & Greet and Lounge Services, marhaba now also provides COVID-19 testing as part of its Premium Home Check-in Service, enabling customers to obtain a medical certificate within 24 to 48 hours of testing, at home or any location of their choice in Dubai.

Steve Allen, Divisional Senior Vice President, UAE Airport Operations & Travel, dnata, said: "We are delighted to add convenient and safe home COVID-19 testing to our marhaba offering. Our newest service helps passengers enjoy complete peace of mind and a seamless travel experience from their home to the boarding gate. Our trained safety ambassadors look forward to welcoming and delivering service excellence for all travellers at Dubai International."

Customers booking the Premium Home Check-in Service are visited by a team of highly-trained medical professionals who perform a swab test on all passengers ahead of the check-in process. The samples are tested in a medical laboratory and the results are shared with customers digitally. All passengers testing negative for COVID-19 receive a medical certificate. The COVID-19 testing services are delivered by Mediclinic, a trusted global healthcare provider.

During the convenient home check-in process helpful agents check in travellers for their flights, print their boarding passes*, weigh and tag their baggage and ensure that they are delivered to the airport and loaded onto the aircraft. All baggage is treated with disinfectant to remove any germs and provide protection from microbes for up to 72 hours. Once customers arrive to the airport, a friendly agent is on-hand to fast-track them through airport formalities.

To offer travellers more options to boost their travel experience, marhaba has recently reopened two of its Airport Lounges at Dubai International's (DXB) Terminal 3 (Concourse B) and Terminal 2. Open 24 hours, each marhaba lounge offers superfast Wi-Fi and all-day dining with international cuisine catering to a wide range of dietary and ethnic requirements. The comfort of guests is ensured by a diverse team of dedicated safety ambassadors, who have been thoroughly trained on health and safety protocols.

marhaba has implemented a number of measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of customers and agents. All marhaba agents and lounge staff wear a mask, and abide by social distancing guidelines while assisting passengers. marhaba's chauffeurs also adhere to safety protocols, and the cars undergo strict disinfecting procedures after each trip. The lounges offer touchless payment options and frequently undergo increased cleaning and sanitisation with specific focus on high-touch surfaces. To further reduce touchpoints, the buffet has been replaced with individually pre-portioned dining options. Senior travellers and their family member can enjoy the services in designated zones.

marhaba's safe Premium Home Check-in Service can be booked on www.marhabaservices.com from AED 714 (inclusive of VAT). The testing price of AED 209 (inclusive of VAT) per person is directly payable to Mediclinic upon sample collection via cash or credit card.

*Subject to airline approval and acceptance. Should home check-in not be available for the selected flight, marhaba team will try to provide access to fast-track check-in desks at the airport where possible.

dnata has donated a cargo towing tractor and two 10ft pallet trollies to the IHC. The equipment will be deployed at IHC’s Dubai warehouses, enabling efficient handling of emergency relief material, including personal protective equipment and medical supplies.

IHC was founded in 2003 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It is the largest humanitarian hub in the world and the only Non-Profit Free Zone Authority, hosting approximately 80 members between humanitarian organisations and commercial companies. IHC’s strategic location in Dubai allows relief to be rapidly deployed to reach two thirds of the world population.

Steve Allen, Divisional Senior Vice President, UAE Airport Operations and Travel, dnata, said: “We are delighted to contribute to the International Humanitarian City’s global relief efforts amid these challenging times. We hope that our donation will help IHC and its partners deliver on their goals and make a positive difference to the lives of those in need. With our dedicated global team, we stay committed to taking meaningful initiatives to support the communities around us.”

Giuseppe Saba, CEO of the International Humanitarian City, said: “The International Humanitarian City is grateful for dnata’s handling equipment donation. They will be instrumental for moving humanitarian aid within our warehouse compound. The donated equipment will complement our brand-new kitting centre, which enables the front-line World Health Organization in combatting the COVID-19 in consolidating medical kits. Other organisations will benefit in preparing personalised kits in response to humanitarian crises around the world. We welcome dnata’s donation and we appreciate such generosity on behalf of the humanitarian community.”

dnata is committed to making a meaningful impact on international humanitarian efforts. In 2014 the company launched its global corporate social responsibility programme, dnata4good, an employee-led initiative that aims to provide accessible education and humanitarian assistance in crisis situations and preserve wildlife and nature. Employees are encouraged to participate through fundraising, donations and front-line volunteering.

Over the past six years, dnata employees have donated, volunteered and raised funds to support local communities and relevant charities who meet the criteria of transparency, accountability, respect and local legislation. Among various initiatives, dnata employees have raised funds to build eight schools for children in impoverished areas, giving them a vital chance to break the cycle of poverty through education.

dnata has been offering quality and reliable air services for over 60 years in the UAE. In 2019, the company’s customer-oriented employees assisted over 85 million passengers and moved 700,000 tonnes of cargo in the country.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak began, dnata’s expert teams have worked around the clock to develop and implement a comprehensive health & safety programme, enhancing services, processes and training across the company’s operations. dnata has run disinfection programmes, introduced new personal protective measures, and further improved aircraft cleaning services to safeguard its skilled staff and deliver world-class safety for its airline partners and their passengers.

Steve Allen, Divisional Senior Vice President, UAE Airport Operations and Travel, dnata, said: “The impact of COVID-19 on the aviation, travel and tourism industries has been rapid and significant. We are all in this together and can only overcome the challenges if we join forces with our partners and put the health and safety of people at the heart of everything we do.

“We have further improved services, processes and training to adapt to the new operating environment and help our airline customers restore consumers’ confidence in travel. I thank all of my colleagues and partners at the airport for their relentless commitment to consistently achieving the highest possible level of safety across our operations.”

In May, dnata completed a mass disinfection programme of all ground support equipment (GSE) to protect its employees and customers’ passengers.  More than 11,500 pieces of GSE including busses, passenger steps, baggage dollies, and pushback tractors were disinfected at the two Dubai airports. A bowser spray unit and handheld sanitation units were used to ensure the most effective disinfection was carried out on all equipment airside, including the company’s cargo operations.

In addition to the disinfection of its equipment and facilities, dnata has supplied employees with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including face masks and hand sanitizers. Detailed guidelines on wearing and the safe disposal of PPE have been provided to staff in various roles. Regular safety inspections are conducted by a dedicated team, with team briefings held daily to ensure that all guidelines are understood and followed.

dnata has also worked closely with Dubai Airports to maximise safety for passengers throughout their airport journey, from check-in to boarding. Check-in desks at the airport have been installed with protective barriers, and waiting areas have been modified to help passengers observe social distancing. The boarding process is facilitated by dnata’s boarding agents who wear the required PPE and ensure that passengers board in small numbers. Boarding gates are deep cleaned and disinfected after the boarding of every flight.

Furthermore, dnata has enhanced its aircraft cabin cleaning services. The process involves extensive cleaning with a stronger disinfectant, and includes a comprehensive wipedown of all surfaces – from windows, tray tables, seatback screens, armrests, seats, in-seat controls, panels, air vents and overhead lockers in the cabin to lavatories, galleys and crew rest areas. The on-board cleaning chemicals are approved by the relevant authorities and proven to kill viruses and germs. They leave a long-lasting protective coating against new contamination of viruses, bacteria and fungi on surfaces, and are eco-friendly. A dedicated quality team and shift managers oversee the cleaning on the majority of flights.

Including Dubai International, dnata offers reliable and safe ground handling, cargo and catering services at more than 120 airports globally. At each location, dnata works closely with its partners and authorities to ensure the highest safety standards for customers and employees across its operations.

marhaba’s Home Check-in Services are delivered by its sister company, DUBZ, a leading baggage technology and logistics company. During the convenient home check-in process the helpful DUBZ agents check in travellers for their flights, print their boarding passes, weigh and tag their baggage and ensure that they are delivered to the airport and loaded onto the aircraft. All baggage is treated with disinfectant to remove any germs and provide protection from microbes for up to 72 hours. At the airport, customers are met by marhaba agents who fast-track them through immigration.

Having recently relaunched its Meet & Greet and Chauffeur Services in Dubai, marhaba has implemented a number of measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of customers and agents. Each marhaba agent wears gloves and a mask, and abides by social distancing guidelines while assisting passengers at the airport. marhaba’s chauffeurs also adhere to safety protocols, and the cars undergo strict disinfecting procedures after each trip. The number of passengers in each vehicle is limited to two in standard cars or three in SUVs. Immediate family members are exempt from these restrictions and are able to travel in cars together in groups larger than three people, as per current UAE regulations.

marhaba’s innovative home check-in, baggage disinfection, chauffeur and meet & greet services can be booked on www.marhabaservices.com from only AED 237.

Steve Allen, Divisional Senior Vice President, UAE Airport Operations and Travel, dnata said: “We are thrilled to expand our offering to ensure a safe and seamless travel experience for Dubai travellers. Taking advantage of our innovative solutions, customers can enjoy complete peace of mind throughout their journey, from a quick and easy home check-in process to the delivery of their disinfected baggage at their destination airport. We are confident that our new services will be popular among customers, whose safety and comfort are taken care of by our professionally trained marhaba agents at Dubai International. We will continue to enhance our services to deliver more value for travellers.”

Omar Abou Faraj, CEO and Co-Founder of DUBZ, said: “Travel is crucial to all of us, and that is why we have worked hard to add more value by providing long-lasting baggage disinfection as part of our home check-in service. Ultimately, we hope to give people peace of mind to enjoy worry-free holidays once again.”

About marhaba

Launched at Dubai International airport in 1991, marhaba is a premium Meet & Greet and Airport Lounge Service that aims to make the passenger journey as easy and comfortable as possible, by providing invaluable airport services to passengers ranging from tourists and families, to VIPs and corporate customers. marhaba offers Meet & Greet Services at two airports in the UAE, and operates 12 departure airport lounges in five countries, the UAE, Singapore, Switzerland, Pakistan, and Australia.

About DUBZ

DUBZ is a technology start-up founded in 2016 by three enterprising individuals. The company identified a niche in enhancing the experience of travellers by providing a convenient home and hotel baggage collection and delivery service that can be booked online 24 hours a day. Utilizing GPS tracking for its vehicles, CCTV screening at its facilities and smartphones for its drivers, DUBZ is able to ensure a secure and hassle-free service to its customers. In 2016, the company was selected as a winner of Intelak, the aviation and travel incubator programme co-founded by the Emirates Group, GE, and Dubai Tourism to nurture travel technology entrepreneurship in the UAE.