Dnata, a leading global provider of air and travel services, has launched a fleet of autonomous electric vehicles at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), in a landmark move to revolutionize ramp operations and ground handling efficiency.
The initiative represents a significant step forward in automating one of aviation’s most labour- and time-intensive functions, as dnata continues to invest in next-generation technologies to streamline airport operations and enhance safety.
Read: Dubai Airports leverages AI to streamline inventory management, enhance airport operations
Autonomous technology boosts airside efficiency and safety
Dnata has deployed six EZTow autonomous electric tractors, developed by TractEasy, to manage baggage transport between aircraft and terminals.
Traditionally handled by human-operated vehicles under tight scheduling pressure, these autonomous tractors are capable of towing up to four Unit Load Devices (ULDs) at speeds of up to 15 km/h along pre-defined, secured routes.
By shifting to autonomous technology, dnata aims to free up ground handling personnel for more complex and value-added roles, accelerating aircraft turnaround times and minimizing human error in high-traffic airside zones.
The introduction of autonomous vehicles is also expected to contribute to a safer ramp environment, improving predictability and consistency in operations.
From controlled testing to real-time deployment
The AED 6 million ($ 1.6 million) rollout begins with Level 3 autonomy, which allows vehicles to operate with minimal human oversight.
Dnata plans to upgrade to Level 4 autonomy — characterized by full self-driving capability in controlled environments — by early 2026.
The deployment follows more than a year of collaborative work between dnata, TractEasy, Dubai Airports, and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to develop a regulatory framework for airside autonomous vehicle operations; a domain still lacking standardized international guidelines.
“This is an important step forward for both dnata and the wider aviation industry,” said Jaffar Dawood, divisional senior vice president for UAE airport operations at dnata.
“While autonomous vehicles have largely been limited to trials, this deployment brings the technology into regular, day-to-day operations. As global travel continues to rebound and operational demands increase, automation could be key to building smarter, safer and more resilient infrastructure.”
“Autonomous GSE adoption is taking off,” said Rich Reno, TractEasy’s CEO. “TractEasy is proud and excited to partner with an industry leader like dnata and blaze a safe and efficient autonomous trail for others to follow.”
Pioneering the future of airport mobility
While autonomous Ground Support Equipment (GSE) trials are underway in more than 15 countries, most remain in early or pilot stages. dnata’s deployment at DWC marks one of the first live operational uses of such systems at a major international airport.
The new fleet will also serve as a testbed for future operating models, with learnings used to guide broader automation strategies at DWC, which is on track to become the world’s largest airport with a planned capacity of 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually.
Building on a culture of innovation
The autonomous vehicle rollout is part of dnata’s wider innovation drive. The company has already integrated autonomous drones into its warehouse operations, dramatically reducing cargo processing times and improving inventory accuracy.
By staying ahead of emerging technologies and regulatory trends, dnata is not only transforming how airports operate today but also shaping the future of global aviation logistics.
