Dubai: Dnata has signed a multiyear deal with Hainan airlines, a Chinese carrier. Following the airline’s expansion to Australia, Dnata will be handling the ground operations at the Kingsford Smith Airport in Sydney.
On December 23, Hainan Airlines will be starting bi-weekly flights from Xi’an Xianyang International Airport to Sydney. Dnata earlier this month signed a contract with Xiamen Air, bringing the total number of Chinese airlines that Dnata services to seven.
“The entry of more Chinese carriers demonstrates the growing demand for air travel from the Chinese market to Australia.” said Daniela Marsilli, CEO, Dnata Australia.
Dnata has partnered with 380 airlines worldwide and in Australia it serves 22. Gary Chapman, Dnata president, Dubai, said international operations will likely contribute as much as 70 per cent of revenue by the end of its current financial year.
Busiest day of travel in 2015:
In a separate statement, Dnata said it recorded its highest traffic day on December 18 with more than 256,000 passengers travelling through Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central (DWC) airports for the year-end holiday season. With over 570 flights handled and 9,000 personnel on the ground, the day say an increase of 4 per cent from the previous year.
“Round-the-clock, our ground handling crews delivered a smooth turnaround service and a strong, safe on-time performance,” said Nick Moore, Dnata’s Senior Vice President, Airline Services.
Dubai International Airport witnessed the arrival and departure of 136,000 passengers alone, or 95 passengers a minute for the day.
