dnata invests Dh175 million this year to boost Dubai ground-handling capacity

Dubai ground-handling provider dnata has announced a Dh175 million investment in new ground support equipment (GSE) for the UAE in 2026. The company's CEO, Nabil Sultan Al Murr, explained that the investment will cover more than 340 new motorised and other GSE assets, including enhanced safety and technology features, as well as additional aircraft pushback and towing capability.

Currently, dnata operates around 2,800 motorised GSE assets at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC). The UAE expansion of DWC is expected to increase its role in the emirate's airport system. Al Murr noted that ground equipment procurement and delivery cycles are lengthy, requiring fleet planning to be several years ahead of anticipated demand.

The investment aims to renew equipment at the right point in its lifecycle, add capacity where growth is expected, and strengthen critical areas for aircraft turnaround.

Safety is a key focus of the new equipment, with dnata introducing assets providing improved visibility and control for ground-handling teams during aircraft servicing. The new equipment includes aircraft loaders with height safety features and AI-enabled detection cameras beneath loading platforms to improve monitoring and hazard identification.

Additionally, dnata is expanding its towing equipment to provide greater flexibility and resilience in aircraft turnaround, as well as exploring automated aircraft docking systems and 3D printing technologies for equipment operation and maintenance.