dnata has launched operations in Belgium with the opening of a cargo centre at Brussels Airport.

According to dnata, the expansion into the Belgian capital represents an €8 million (US$9 million) investment and creates up to 100 local jobs with the company.

The new facility covers an area of 14,000 square metres, including 4,500 square metres of warehouse space, and is capable of processing 125,000 tonnes of cargo annually. It is compliant with the highest industry standards, ensuring efficient and safe handling of all types of cargo, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods, live animals, aircraft engines and vehicles.

“We are most pleased to welcome dnata at Brussels Airport as our third cargo handler,” said Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport Company. “dnata has already positioned itself as a key cargo player at our airport with a dedicated infrastructure for pharmaceuticals and an active participation in our cargo community Air Cargo Belgium, consistent with Brussels Airport’s strategy to provide specialized infrastructure for vital sectors in our country, and to work towards mutual goals through collaboration. And so, it is with positive expectations I look forward to this new partnership.”

dnata’s first customer in Brussels is Singapore Airlines Cargo, which operates eight weekly flights between Singapore and Brussels with a Boeing 747-400F, with an annual capacity of 45,000 tonnes.

dnata already provides cargo and ground-handling services to 25 cargo and eight passenger airlines at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The company will ensure close cooperation between its Amsterdam and Brussels teams to leverage synergies and deliver the highest possible value for its customers at both airports.

“We are thrilled to establish operations at another important cargo hub,” said Erik de Goeij, chief executive officer of dnata The Netherlands and Belgium. “Our best-in-class facility at Brussels Airport significantly increases our cargo handling capacity in the region, which we expect to stimulate the local cargo industry. We see solid demand for our quality services and are confident that this strategic expansion will bring significant benefits to our stakeholders. dnata is renowned for its customer-oriented approach, reliability and uncompromised focus on safety at all airports it operates across the globe. We all share a passion for excellence and will work hard to provide the best possible services to our Brussels customers every day.”

dnata now provides cargo and ground-handling services at 88 airports in 14 countries, handling over 1,900 flights and more than 9,000 tonnes of cargo every day.