dnata to spend $110 million on 800 new airside fleet units for 2025

Dubai: Emirates Group’s dnata plans to deploy 800 new ground support equipment (GSE) units across its global network in 2025. The ground handling services company said the rollout is valued at US$ 110 million and is part of the aircraft ground handling company’s broader investment strategy to further operational performance.

dnata, which also provides cargo, travel, and flight catering services, said the new equipment will be delivered under long-term global framework contracts signed with leading manufacturers in 2024. These agreements, worth $210 million, secure a steady supply of advanced, lower-emission equipment to support dnata’s growth and sustainability targets.

dnata said the 800 new units will be introduced across 10 countries, with the largest volumes allocated to UAE, Brazil, Italy, USA and Singapore. This reflects a significant operational expansion this year in these markets, dnata said.

Clive Sauvé-Hopkins, CEO – dnata Airport Operations, said, “We are accelerating the adoption of zero-, and low-emission technology wherever the infrastructure supports it - and where it is still developing, we proactively work with our partners to implement the most practical and forward-looking solutions.

“We take a long-term, data-driven approach and adapt to the realities on the ground.  This is how we deliver strong performance while reducing our carbon footprint for our customers, people and communities,” said Sauvé-Hopkins.

As part of its decarbonisation goals, the company’s fleet strategy focuses on phasing out diesel engines and transitioning to electric, hybrid, or hydrogen-powered alternatives tailored to each location's infrastructure and operational conditions. Today, more than 40 per cent of dnata’s fleet is electric in key markets, including Italy, Switzerland, The Netherlands, and the UK.

Besides, dnata actively engages with biofuel suppliers to reduce emissions. Most recently, it transitioned its entire non-electric fleet to biodiesel across its extensive operations in Dubai.

The airline’s expansion into mainland China highlights the growing UAE-China relations and Emirates’ support for the Belt and Road Initiative. Positioned as a crucial link through Dubai, Emirates connects tech professionals and investors from Africa, the Middle East, and South America to Hangzhou, a technology and innovation hub.