dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, has announced a significant investment of AED 175 million to expand and modernise its ground support equipment (GSE) fleet in the UAE. This investment, initiated at the start of the year, aims to support the anticipated growth in Dubai's aviation sector by adding over 340 new assets to its operations at Dubai International and Dubai World Central airports.
The investment is centred on enhancing safety features and operational resilience. Nabil Sultan Al Murr, Group CEO of dnata, highlighted the importance of planning ahead, stating, "Ground equipment has long procurement and delivery cycles, so fleet planning needs to stay several years ahead of demand." The new equipment will include advanced safety features such as AI-enabled detection cameras and improved aircraft loaders to ensure safer operations.
In addition to safety, dnata is also focusing on strengthening its aircraft pushback and towing capabilities, which are crucial for maintaining reliable aircraft movements. This move is part of a broader strategy to improve the resilience and reliability of dnata's ground handling operations.
Technology plays a pivotal role in dnata's future plans, with innovations like automated aircraft docking systems and 3D printing for GSE components being explored. These advancements will be showcased at the upcoming Airport Show 2026, demonstrating dnata's commitment to evolving its ground handling operations.
Globally, dnata operates approximately 4,700 motorised GSE assets across 86 airports, handling over 888,000 aircraft turns and processing 3.2 million tonnes of cargo in the 2025–26 financial year.
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