dnata has added 14 new 180kVA electric ground power units (GPU) to its ground support equipment fleet at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
The Emirati airport services provider, which offers aircraft ground handling, cargo, travel, and flight catering services across five continents, said the new equipment will handle 33% of all GPU utilisation at DXB.
They will replace diesel-powered equipment, reducing fuel consumption by some 550,000 litres annually.
A GPU is a mobile or stationary device used to provide electrical power to aircraft while they are on the ground.
dnata said its first four electric GPUs have already been deployed in its operations, exclusively supporting Emirates Engineering's services. The remaining 10 units are expected to arrive in November.
dnata's latest fleet enhancement, which represents a US$ four million investment, is part of its ongoing efforts to enhance environmental efficiency across its operations.
The company's fleet strategy commits to phasing out diesel-powered engines and switching to hybrid, electric, or hydrogen wherever airports have provided the necessary infrastructure.
dnata is also actively engaging with biofuel suppliers to reduce emissions. Most recently, it has transitioned its entire non-electric fleet to biodiesel at the two Dubai airports, DXB and Al Maktoum - Dubai World Central (DWC).
"Our latest fleet investment underlines our ongoing commitment to using electric equipment wherever the airport's infrastructure permits. It reflects our focus on environmental responsibility and aligns with both customer expectations and the airport’s sustainability efforts. In addition, it improves operational efficiency and reduces maintenance needs," said Jaffar Dawood, senior vice president, Airport Operations - UAE and MEA, dnata.
"We will continue to promote industry collaboration and advocate for infrastructure improvements to achieve our goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030," he added.
Growth in dnata's global business
dnata recently reported significant improvements across key environmental performance metrics for the financial year 2023-2024.
The company said it also cut the carbon intensity of its operations by over 8%, 22% and 26% across its airport operations, travel and catering businesses, respectively — as validated by Verifavia, an independent accredited environmental verification and auditing body.
dnata noted that besides its consistent investment in fleet, dnata minimises emissions using renewable energy where available.
In some markets, such as the UK and Ireland, it exclusively procures solar and wind energy.
Most recently, it has installed solar panels across several facilities in Pakistan and the Philippines to avoid consuming fossil-fuel-powered electricity.
In the financial year 2023-2024, dnata generated 21% more renewable energy and purchased 191% more renewable electricity than in the same period the previous year.
dnata noted that it also strongly focuses on minimising fuel consumption. It monitors fuel consumption across its fleet of ground support equipment (GSE) using Vehicle Tracking Management Systems (VTMS) and conducts logistics mapping exercises to ensure minimal distances are travelled airside. It also optimises shifts and parking slots to avoid excessive fuel burn.
In September 2023, dnata became the first combined air services provider to receive the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) environmental management certification.