Global air and travel services provider Dubai National Air Travel Agency (dnata) has revealed today plans to deploy 800 new ground support equipment (GSE) units across its global network in 2025. This rollout, valued at $110 million, is part of the company’s broader investment strategy aimed at enhancing operational performance and reducing emissions throughout its operations, according to a statement.
dnata’s new equipment will be delivered under long-term global framework contracts signed with leading manufacturers in 2024. These agreements, worth $210 million, ensure a steady supply of advanced, lower-emission equipment to support dnata’s growth and sustainability objectives.
Data-driven approach to performance
The introduction of these 800 new units will take place across 10 countries, with the largest volumes allocated to the UAE, Brazil, Italy, the USA, and Singapore. This distribution reflects dnata’s significant operational expansion in these markets this year.
Clive Sauvé-Hopkins, CEO – dnata Airport Operations, stated: “Our continued significant investment in our modern fleet reflects both the scale of our expansion and our ambition to lead the industry in operational excellence and sustainability. 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.”
He added, “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 the benefit of our customers, people, and communities.”
Read more: dnata Logistics breaks ground on $27.2 million Dubai South warehouse
Transitioning to sustainable power sources
dnata’s global fleet strategy emphasizes phasing out diesel engines and transitioning to electric, hybrid, or hydrogen-powered alternatives, tailored to the operational conditions and infrastructure of each location. As a result, more than 40 percent of dnata’s fleet is electric in key markets, including Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the U.K.
In addition, dnata actively collaborates with biofuel suppliers to further reduce emissions. Recently, it transitioned its entire non-electric fleet to biodiesel across its extensive operations in Dubai, achieving meaningful carbon reductions while maintaining operational excellence at one of the world’s leading transport and logistics hubs.
Operational efficiency remains a key focus of dnata’s strategy. The company monitors fuel consumption across its GSE fleet using Vehicle Tracking Management systems, conducts logistics mapping exercises to minimize airside travel distances, and optimizes shifts and parking slots to avoid excessive fuel burn.
Many of dnata’s new, advanced equipment units will be on display at the Airport Show, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 6-8.
