dnata boosts carbon footprint reduction efforts with fleet-wide transition to biodiesel in UAE

dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, recently announced a major milestone in its environmental sustainability journey. All of the company’s non-electric airside vehicles and ground support equipment (GSE) are now operating exclusively on a biodiesel blend at its biggest operational hub in Dubai.

“Our latest initiative to switch all our non-electric airside vehicles to biodiesel in Dubai is a big step forward in our decarbonization journey,” stated Steve Allen, CEO of dnata Group.

CO₂ equivalent emissions cut by over 3,500 tons annually

In partnership with Dubai Airports and the Emirates National Oil Company Group (ENOC), this step will likely cut CO₂ equivalent emissions by over 3,500 tons annually. This is equivalent to over 21 million kilometers of driving by an average diesel-powered car.

“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,” added Allen.

dnata gradually rolled out this initiative across its ground handling and cargo operations at the two Dubai airports. The group’s operation involves a total of 2,500 vehicles that support the operations of over 220,000 flights annually.

dnata has already been 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.

“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,” stated Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.

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Key environmental initiatives

Since its foundation in 1959, dnata has played an important role in the UAE’s aviation industry. Currently, dnata employs over 23,000 staff and serves over 190 passenger and cargo airlines. In addition, it operates all airside fuel stations and mobile refueling services at both Dubai airports.

dnata recently reported significant improvements across key environmental performance metrics for the financial year 2023-24. The company cut the carbon intensity of its operations by over 8 percent across its airport operations. Moreover, the group cut carbon intensity by 22 percent and 26 percent across its travel and catering businesses, respectively.

In the financial year 2023-24, dnata generated 21 percent more renewable energy. Furthermore, it purchased 191 percent more renewable electricity than in the same period the previous year.

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