dnata has signed an agreement with Canada-based GTA Aviation to purchase a 50% stake in its cargo and ground-handling operations at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

This is dnata’s first foray into the Canadian market.

According to dnata, GTA’s operations at the airport will be rebranded to GTA dnata. Gary Ogden, the current CEO, will continue to lead the business. Mario D’Urso, owner and chairman, will continue as a joint partner.

“This investment in GTA is another important milestone for dnata,” said Stewart Angus, divisional senior vice president of international airport operations at dnata. “It allows us to fulfil our strategy to provide the highest level of customer service in the key markets across the Americas. We are very impressed with the way GTA is managed by Mario, Gary and their team. We look forward to playing our role in helping GTA develop in the next phase of its growth in Canada, and building on the excellent foundations that already exist.”

GTA Aviation employs around 130 people and handles more than 58,000 tonnes of cargo each year at its 83,000-square-foot warehouse at Toronto Pearson. Major airline customers include Cargojet, China Southern Airlines, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Korean Air and Lufthansa.

“dnata’s commitment to service and safety excellence and its continued investment in its product is in line with our philosophy and ensures our customers will continue to receive the quality service they expect,” said D’Urso. “Having started the company with the concept of service excellence, I am confident that GTA will continue to flourish as part of the dnata team.”