Dnata in UK airport handling deals

Dubai : Dnata, the international airport services provider, yesterday said it will acquire two of the UK's leading ground handling operations.

It will acquire Plane Handling, which is currently part of the Go-Ahead Group. It provides cargo and ramp handling services at London Heathrow Airport and cargo handling services at Manchester Airport.

At the same time Dnata is also acquiring passenger and ramp handling operations at Terminals 3 and 4 at London Heathrow from Aviance, which is also part of Go-Ahead Group.

These acquisitions, valued at £15 million, mark Dnata's entry into the airport handling business in the UK and are consistent with its strategy of developing an international network of outstanding quality and service. The transaction will be completed on January 30, 2010.

With these acquisitions, Dnata will now be operating at 19 airports in eight countries, including Australia, China, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland and the UAE.

‘Perfect fit'

Gary Chapman, president of Dnata, said: "We are very pleased to add Heathrow and Manchester to our growing international network. These businesses already provide an outstanding quality of service to their airline customers in the UK and will be a perfect fit with our businesses in Dubai, Singapore, Switzerland, Australia and across the globe.

"Dnata is committed to further developing the strengths of Plane Handling and ensuring that its airline customers continue to enjoy the highest possible levels of customer service."

Robert Williams, managing director of Plane Handling, who will assume responsibility for both business units, said: "Our management and employees enjoy the full confidence of our new shareholder and Dnata is eager to work with the current management team.

"We are extremely excited about the future for both our employees and our customers."

Plane Handling and Aviance's Terminals 3 and 4 operations provide airline and cargo handling for more than 20 airlines at Heathrow and Manchester with key customers including Virgin Atlantic, Etihad Airways and Emirates.