Dnata to roll out 800 GSE units across global network in 2025
May 8, 2025
Ground handling giant dnata has unveiled plans to deploy $110 million of ground support equipment (GSE) units across its global network, as part of its effort to enhance and decarbonise operations.
The 800 new units (many of which are on display at the Airport Show taking place in Dubai this week) will be introduced across 10 countries, with the UAE, Brazil, Italy, the US and Singapore receiving the largest volumes. The focus for the GSE will be on introducing electric, hybrid, or hydrogen-powered alternatives in line with dnata’s strategy to phase out diesel engines completely. More than 40% of the ground handler’s fleet in key markets, including Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the UK is already electric.
“Our continued investment in our modern fleet reflects both the scale of our expansion and our ambition to lead the industry in operational excellence and sustainability,” said Clive Sauve-Hopkins, CEO, dnata Airport Operations. “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.
Last year saw dnata sign agreements worth $210 million with multiple manufacturers to secure a steady supply of advanced, lower-emission equipment.
The investment in GSE comes after dnata’s airport operations division saw impressive growth last year. It’s ground and cargo handling operations increased to $2.7 billion. The number of aircraft turns handled by dnata globally grew by 2% to 794,091; while cargo handling increased by 9% to 3.1 million tonnes. It also launched operations at Rome Fiumicino Airport earlier this year and last year won a seven-year renewal of it its operating licenses in Zurich and Brussels, and added Raleigh-Durham International Airport to its network. The company also made major investments in its cargo facilities to meet growing global demand. In Dubai it broke ground on a 57,000 sqm warehouse, while in Zurich, dnata’s exclusive lease agreement will see it operate the airport authority’s new warehouse when it opens in 2027.
