dnata to deploy 800 ground support units globally in $110m investment drive

Aviation company dnata said on Tuesday it will deploy 800 new ground support equipment (GSE) units across 10 countries in 2025, as part of a $110m rollout aimed at boosting operational efficiency and reducing emissions.

The equipment will be introduced under long-term framework agreements signed in 2024 with leading manufacturers, valued at $210m, to secure a consistent supply of advanced, lower-emission GSE.

The new units will primarily be deployed in the UAE, Brazil, Italy, the US and Singapore, reflecting dnata’s growing operations in these markets.

“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,” said Clive Sauvé-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,” he added.

dnata fleet is transitioning to cleaner energy sources

dnata’s global fleet strategy focuses on transitioning away from diesel engines in favour of electric, hybrid, or hydrogen-powered alternatives, depending on local infrastructure and operational conditions.

More than 40 per cent of dnata’s GSE fleet is already electric in key markets including Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the UK.

The company is also working with biofuel suppliers to further reduce its carbon footprint. In Dubai, dnata has transitioned its entire non-electric fleet to biodiesel, contributing to emission reductions at one of the world’s largest transport and logistics hubs.

Operational efficiency remains a core priority, with dnata deploying Vehicle Tracking Management systems to monitor fuel consumption across its fleet. It also carries out logistics mapping to minimise airside travel distances and optimises shift schedules and parking slots to reduce idle fuel burn.

Sauvé-Hopkins 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.”