– dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, announced a major milestone in its environmental sustainability journey. All of the company’s non-electric airside vehicles and ground support equipment (GSE) are now operating exclusively on a biodiesel blend at its biggest operational hub in Dubai.

This significant step, taken in partnership with Dubai Airports and the Emirates National Oil Company Group (ENOC), is projected to cut CO₂ equivalent emissions by over 3,500 tonnes annually over the lifecycle of the fuel consumed by dnata’s fleet. This is equivalent to over 21 million kilometres driven by an average diesel-powered car.

The initiative has been gradually rolled out across dnata’s extensive ground handling and cargo operations at the two Dubai airports, Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum – Dubai World Central (DWC). It involves a total of 2,500 vehicles, which support the safe and timely operations of over 220,000 flights annually.  

dnata has been already using a blend of biodiesel across its landside fleets at dnata logistics, City Sightseeing Tours, Arabian Adventures, and Alpha Flight Services in the UAE since last summer.

Steve Allen, CEO of dnata Group, said: “Our latest initiative to switch all our non-electric airside vehicles to biodiesel in Dubai is a big step forward in our decarbonisation journey. It demonstrates our dedication to cutting emissions, a core part of our environmental strategy, while maintaining the highest level of quality and safety across our operations.

This achievement wouldn’t be possible without the strong collaboration with Dubai Airports and ENOC, who share our commitment to contributing to the UAE Government’s Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative. We look forward to continuing our partnership to further reduce our environmental footprint and make a positive impact on the aviation industry.” 

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “Sustainability in aviation requires everyone to pitch in, and as the airport operator, we’re committed to driving change. Our partnership with dnata and ENOC to introduce biodiesel highlights how collaboration can lead to real progress. While sector-wide solutions are crucial, airports must also score quick wins on the ground.

This shift will benefit all operators of vehicles and equipment operating airside by replacing traditional diesel with a cleaner alternative. Given the significant size of dnata’s fleet both at DXB and DWC, we know this project is vital for a broader sustainable ground support equipment (GSE) strategy, and we’re proud to contribute to reducing dnata’s emissions and setting a new standard for the aviation industry.”

ENOC Group has provided dedicated biofuel trucks and fuel stations to support dnata’s transition into biodiesel in Dubai.

His Excellency Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO at ENOC, said, “We are delighted to continue our ongoing cooperation with dnata by delivering biodiesel to their airside fleet and ground support equipment (GSE). This partnership underscores ENOC Group’s commitment to expedite the UAE’s transition to clean and sustainable energy sources under the National Policy on Biofuels. We look forward to enabling clean energy alternatives to further diversify the national energy mix.”

dnata: a key contributor to the UAE’s aviation industry

Since its foundation in 1959, dnata has been playing an important role in the UAE’s aviation industry. Having mirrored Dubai’s growth, the dnata Group presently employs over 23,000 staff and serves over 190 passenger and cargo airlines across the country. Besides its range of air services, dnata operates all airside fuel stations and mobile refuelling services at both Dubai airports.

Significant improvement across dnata’s global businesses

dnata recently reported significant improvements across key environmental performance metrics for the financial year 2023-24. As a result of its consistent approach and initiatives, the company cut the carbon intensity of its operations by over 8%, 22% and 26% across its airport operations, travel and catering businesses, respectively. All data has been validated by Verifavia, an independent accredited environmental verification and auditing body.

Reducing emissions through investment in infrastructure, fleet and technologies

dnata minimises emissions across its businesses using renewable energy where available, and in some markets, such as the UK and Ireland, it exclusively procures solar and wind energy. Most recently, it has installed solar panels in Pakistan and the Philippines to avoid consuming fossil-fuel powered electricity across several facilities. In the financial year 2023-24, dnata generated 21% more renewable energy and purchased 191% more renewable electricity, than in the same period the previous year.

dnata consistently invests in its modern fleet to improve environmental efficiency. Its fleet strategy commits to phasing out diesel-operated engines and switching to hybrid, electric, or hydrogen wherever airports have provided the necessary infrastructure. As a result of its investments in recent years, 65% of dnata’s fleet is now electric in the Netherlands, 44% in Italy, 40% in the UK, and 39% in Switzerland.

dnata also maintains a strong focus on minimising fuel consumption. It monitors the consumption of fuel across its fleet of ground support equipment (GSE) using Vehicle Tracking Management systems; conducts logistics mapping exercises to ensure minimal distances are travelled airside; and optimises shifts and parking slots to avoid excessive fuel burn.

In addition, it tracks the behaviour of drivers, including vehicle idling times, and has key performance indicators linked to the environmental management system. dnata promotes more responsible driver behaviour through education, awareness and training.

IATA’s IEnvA Certification

In September 2023, dnata became the first combined air services provider to receive the International Air Transport Association’ (IATA) environmental management certification as a recognition of its unwavering commitment to sustainability across its diverse portfolio of businesses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

About dnata

dnata is a leading global air and travel services provider. Established in 1959, the company offers quality and safe ground handling, cargo, travel, catering and retail services in more than 30 countries across six continents. In the financial year 2023-24, dnata’s customer-oriented teams handled over 778,000 aircraft turns, moved 2.9 million tonnes of cargo, uplifted 123 million meals, and recorded a total transaction value (TTV) of travel services of US$ 2.4 billion. For more information, visit dnata.com.

About Dubai Airports

• Dubai Airports operates both of Dubai’s airports, Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC).
• As an integrator, Dubai Airports works to balance the interests of all stakeholders to maintain aviation growth, protect operational resilience and ensure that service providers collaborate to provide a safe and secure service and improve customer experience whilst maintaining a sustainable business.
• DXB surpassed the 2019 levels of traffic in 2023 by welcoming 87m guests and forecast to reach 92m guests in 2024.
•  DXB is ranked as the world’s number one airport by international passenger numbers for 2023, as announced by the Airports Council International (ACI).
• DWC embodies Dubai’s vision for the future of aviation. With expansion plans announced in May 2024, involving a record investment of US$35b, DWC aims to reshape the aviation landscape.
•  Over the next decade, DWC will accommodate 150m passengers annually, eventually expanding to 260m passengers and 12m tonnes of cargo.
• With five runways, futuristic design and seamless intermodal connectivity, DWC aims to revolutionise global air travel, setting new standards for efficiency and passenger experience for the next 50 years.
• High-resolution images of DXB are available here: Media Library
•  For recent updates, refer to our official social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or hashtags: #DubaiAirports #DXB #DubaiWorldCentral.

About ENOC Group

ENOC Group is a leading integrated global energy player and a wholly owned entity of the Government of Dubai that is integral to the Emirate’s success. ENOC owns and operates assets in the fields of exploration & production, supply & operations, terminals, fuel retail, aviation fuel and petroleum products for commercial & industrial use. The Group’s general business operations include automotive services, non-fuel F&B retail and fabrication services. Servicing thousands of customers in over 60 markets, the Group employs a multi-national workforce of over 12,500 employees and is deploying its world-class customer service, latest innovations, and technologies as well as best practices to empower the UAE’s social and economic development. For further information, please visit: www.enoc.com.