Ramp revolution: dnata boosts efficiency at Dubai World Central with deployment of autonomous baggage tractors
July 17, 2025
dnata pushes ahead with automation of labour-intensive airport ground handling processes.
A global leader in air and travel services, dnata has launched a fleet of six electric, autonomous baggage tractors at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) in Dubai.
The deployment of the EZTow units developed by TractEasy marks a major step in the automation of ground handling services – one of aviation’s most labour-and time-intensive areas.
Already in service at other airports, such as Singapore Changi and Narita International, the EZTow tractors are designed to transform the way baggage is transported between an airport terminal and aircraft.
How automated vehicles
will transform ramp operations at DWC
Baggage has traditionally been transported between the terminal and aircraft by human-operated vehicles. With the introduction of autonomous vehicles, dnata is streamlining this process. The EZTOW vehicles can tow up to four baggage containers at once. Operating along pre-defined routes, the tractors can achieve speeds of up to 15km/h.
The vehicles are currently being integrated with Level 3 autonomy, requiring some human oversight. This will be upgraded to Level 4 autonomy, with full self-driving capabilities in controlled environments in early 2026.
The roll out builds on dnata’s earlier automation initiatives, including the use of autonomous drones in Dubai cargo operations. That deployment resulted in 20% faster processing times and over 99% tracking accuracy, further highlighting the potential of automation in ensuring more efficient operations.
Creating a regulatory blueprint for airport-based automated vehicles
dnata has invested US$1.6 million in the project deployment at DWC. It has also worked closely with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), as well as Dubai Airports and TractEasy to create a regulatory framework for autonomous vehicle operations in an airport environment.
Until now, such a policy framework has remained largely undefined. dnata’s initiative will help set the standard for how autonomous GSE can be integrated safely and effectively across airside environments.
“This is an important step forward for both dnata and the wider aviation industry,” commented Jaffar Dawood, divisional senior vice president for UAE 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.”
Beyond the deployment at DWC, dnata is pursuing opportunities for autonomous ground vehicles in various markets worldwide. “We will take the knowledge and experience gained with stakeholders from this initiative in the UAE to support operational and regulatory implementation in other airports,” said Robert Powell, VP UAE and Global GSE strategy, dnata technical services.
“We look forward to refining our existing operating models, and working with our airport partners and civil aviation authorities, in implementing this technology.”
Why automation matters for ramp operations.
With ramp operations ranking among the most resource heavy areas at airports, autonomous GSE offers consistent performance at lower cost and with fewer errors.
It also helps eliminate human-vehicle interaction on the ramp, thereby reducing accident risk, making airside operations safer for everyone on the ramp.
According to the International Air Transportation Association (IATA), autonomous vehicle trials are currently underway in more than 15 countries, though most remain in early testing phases or restricted to small-scale pilots.
While there are naturally concerns around how automation will impact ground handling personnel, dnata has made it clear that rather than being displaced, these staff will be reassigned to more complex, higher-value roles.
