Dubai's dnata, a major player in airport and travel services, is setting its sights on ambitious growth. The company, part of the Emirates Group, anticipates doubling its size by the time it fully relocates to the new passenger terminal at Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
Steve Allen, dnata's group chief executive, revealed this target during a recent interview. The move to DWC is expected to be completed by 2 032, and dnata is preparing for a significant expansion to keep pace with the anticipated growth at the new airport.
Dnata's current operations span across a global network, handling ground handling and cargo services at 98 airports worldwide. The company also offers in-flight catering, retail services, and travel services through its various business divisions. This diversification has positioned dnata as a key player in the aviation industry.
The expansion plans are fueled by Dubai's booming aviation sector. The emirate has established itself as a major global hub for air travel, and the new DWC terminal is expected to further solidify this position. With its state-of-the-art facilities and increased capacity, DWC is poised to handle a significant surge in passenger and cargo traffic.
To accommodate this growth, dnata intends to ramp up its aircraft handling capabilities. The company currently handles 778, 026 aircraft turns annually, a figure that is anticipated to double by the time the move to DWC is complete. This growth will necessitate a significant increase in dnata's workforce, with the company expecting to add a substantial number of new employees to its current strength of 48, 900.
The expansion also presents dnata with the opportunity to broaden its service offerings. The company is exploring new ventures that could capitalize on the increased traffic at DWC. This could involve expanding its in-flight catering and retail operations, or potentially venturing into new areas altogether.
The move to DWC represents a significant step forward for dnata. The company's ambitious growth plans reflect its confidence in the future of Dubai's aviation sector. By doubling in size, dnata aims to solidify its position as a leading provider of airport and travel services in the region and beyond. The company's success will be intrinsically linked to the development of DWC, and both entities are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Dubai's aviation landscape.