dnata, a leading global provider of aviation and travel services, has announced a significant milestone in its environmental sustainability journey. All of the company’s non-electric airport vehicles and ground support equipment (GSE) now run exclusively on biodiesel blend fuel at its largest operations centre in Dubai.

This significant step, undertaken in partnership with Dubai Airports and Emirates National Oil Company Group (ENOC), is expected to reduce CO₂ equivalent emissions by more than 3,500 tonnes per year across the life cycle of the fuel used by dnata’s fleet. This is equivalent to more than 21 million kilometres driven by an average diesel car.

The initiative was gradually rolled out across dnata’s extensive ground handling and cargo operations at Dubai’s two airports, Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum – Dubai World Central (DWC). It comprises a total of 2,500 vehicles that support the safe and timely operations of over 220,000 flights per year.

Since last summer, dnata has been using a biodiesel blend across all of its land-based fleets across dnata Logistics, City Sightseeing Tours, Arabian Adventures and Alpha Flight Services in the UAE.

Steve Allen, CEO of dnata Group, said: “Our latest initiative to switch all of our non-electric airport vehicles to biodiesel in Dubai is a major step forward on our decarbonisation journey. It demonstrates our commitment to reducing emissions as a core part of our environmental strategy, while maintaining the highest levels of quality and safety in our operations.

This achievement would not have been possible without the close collaboration with Dubai Airports and ENOC, who share our commitment to contributing to the UAE Government’s strategic Net Zero 2050 initiative. We look forward to continuing our partnership to further reduce our environmental footprint and make a positive impact on the aviation industry.”

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “Sustainability in aviation requires everyone to get involved and as an airport operator we are committed to driving change. Our partnership with dnata and ENOC to introduce biodiesel shows how collaboration can lead to real progress. While sector-wide solutions are key, airports also need to deliver quick wins on the ground.

“This change will benefit all operators of vehicles and equipment operating at the airport by replacing traditional diesel with a cleaner alternative. Given the significant size of dnata’s fleet at both DXB and DWC, we know this project is key to dnata’s broader sustainable ground support equipment (GSE) strategy and we are proud to be contributing to dnata’s reduced emissions and setting a new standard for the aviation industry.”

ENOC Group has provided dedicated biofuel trucks and fuel stations to support dnata in its transition to biodiesel in Dubai.

Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO of ENOC, said: “We are pleased to continue our ongoing partnership with dnata by supplying biodiesel for their airport fleet and ground support equipment (GSE). This partnership underlines ENOC Group’s commitment to accelerating the UAE’s transition to clean and sustainable energy sources under the National Biofuels Policy. We look forward to enabling the introduction of alternative clean energy sources to further diversify the country’s energy mix.”

dnata: a key player in the UAE’s aviation industry

Since its establishment in 1959, dnata has played a major role in the UAE’s aviation industry. Reflecting Dubai’s growth, dnata Group now employs over 23,000 people and serves over 190 passenger and cargo airlines across the country. In addition to its range of aviation services, dnata operates all airport fuel stations and mobile refuelling services at both Dubai airports.

Significant improvement in dnata’s global businesses

dnata recently announced significant improvements in its key environmental performance indicators for the financial year 2023-24. As a result of its consistent approach and initiatives, the company has reduced the carbon intensity of its operations by over 8%, 22% and 26% in airport operations, travel and catering operations respectively. All data has been verified by Verifavia, an independent accredited environmental verification and auditing body.

Reducing emissions through investments in infrastructure, fleet and technology

dnata minimises emissions across its operations by using renewable energy where available, and in some markets, such as the UK and Ireland, sources only solar and wind power. It recently installed solar panels in Pakistan and the Philippines to avoid fossil fuel electricity consumption at several facilities. In fiscal year 2023-24, dnata generated 21% more renewable energy and purchased 191% more renewable energy than during the same period the previous year.

dnata is consistently investing in its modern fleet to improve environmental performance. The company’s fleet strategy is to phase out diesel engines and switch to hybrids, electric or hydrogen wherever airports have provided the necessary infrastructure. As a result of investments in recent years, 65% of dnata’s fleet is now electric in the Netherlands, 44% in Italy, 40% in the UK and 39% in Switzerland.

dnata also places a strong emphasis on minimizing fuel consumption. It monitors fuel consumption across its ground support equipment (GSE) fleet using vehicle tracking management systems; conducts logistics mapping exercises to ensure minimum distances traveled on the airport side; and optimizes shifts and parking spaces to avoid excessive fuel burn.

The app also monitors driver behavior, including idling time, and includes key performance indicators linked to the environmental management system. dnata promotes more responsible driver behavior through education, awareness, and training.

IEnvA IATA Certification

In September 2023, dnata became the first aviation services provider to receive the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Environmental Management Certification, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to sustainability across its diverse portfolio of businesses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).