Dubai: Dnata said on Wednesday it has reached an agreement with Lynx Holdings to acquire its AirLogistix USA cargo handling operations at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Houston.
In a statement, dnata, Emirates Group’s aviation and travel services unit, said the acquisition will help the company grow its cargo network internationally.
“Our strategy is to offer the highest level of service in each market we operate. The AirLogistix USA operation fits the bill and will further enhance our growing international cargo network. This represents dnata’s first step into the US cargo market,” said Stewart Angus, dnata’s Divisional Senior Vice-President of International Airport Operations.
The 30,000-square-feet facility includes a perishable cargo facility at Houston airport, and is suitable for perishable products including pharmaceuticals, food, and flowers. In 2016, over 16,000 tonnes of perishable cargo were handled from that warehouse, which has capacity to handle up to 20,000 tonnes of regular air cargo.
The facility’s management team, including President Kerry Galegher, will remain in place. Employee terms and conditions will also remain unchanged.
As part of the deal, AirLogistix USA and dnata have agreed to open a similar facility at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in summer 2017. The new facility will be 37,000 square feet and will include a perishables handling facility.
The agreement is in line with dnata’s plan to significantly expand its global cargo offering, having opened 18 cargo facilities in the past five years. The company now handles over 2.8 million tonnes of cargo at 42 airports worldwide.
