dnata invests AED 175M to modernize ground handling fleet in UAE

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dnata announced AED 175 million investments to enhance and modernize its ground handling equipment fleet in the UAE, under a plan launched at the beginning of this year to raise operational capacity in line with the growth of Dubai’s aviation sector.
 
In a statement, the company said the investments cover the purchase of over 340 new units to be added to its current fleet of approximately 2,800 motorized ground support equipment at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport.
 
The program focuses on acquiring equipment with advanced technologies to improve safety and operational efficiency, as well as expanding its fleet of aircraft pushback tractors and tugs, contributing to greater flexibility and efficiency in ground handling operations.
 
The new units include aircraft-specific lifts equipped with enhanced safety features and AI-powered surveillance cameras mounted under loading platforms, designed to improve visibility in areas that are difficult for operators to monitor and to detect potential risks.
 
Nabil Sultan Al Murr, CEO of dnata Group, said the new investments are part of the company’s strategy to prepare for future operations requirements, coinciding with a new stage of growth for Dubai’s aviation sector. He highlighted the importance of pre-planning to upgrade the fleet given long lead times for equipment procurement and delivery.
 
dnata operates around 4,700 motorized ground equipment units outside the UAE, providing ground handling and cargo services at 86 airports globally.
 
During FY 2025/26, dnata teams completed over 888,000 aircraft service turnarounds and handled 3.2 million tons of cargo across its global network.