dnata has promoted Willy Ruf as the company’s managing director for Switzerland, who will step into the new role effective 1 January 2024.

In his new role, Ruj will oversee dnata’s ground handling and cargo business and operations at Geneva Airport (GVA) and Zürich Airport (ZRH) in Switzerland for 30 airline partners with a 1,100-strong team.

A Swiss national, Willy has over 30 years of international experience in the ground handling, cargo and travel industries and was most recently dnata’s head of operations in Geneva.

Prior to joining dnata, he held various senior leadership roles at Wisag and Swissport across Europe.

Willy will replace Roberto Feijoo Lopez, who decided to leave after 16 years to pursue another opportunity. He will report to Stewart Angus, dnata’s regional CEO for Europe.

dnata has significantly invested in infrastructure and equipment in Switzerland. These include five new hybrid de-icing trucks. 35 percent of the company’s ground support equipment in the country is electric.

The Dubai-based handler has also rolled out its advanced ‘OneCargo’ system across its cargo operations in Switzerland. The integrated, cloud-based platform automates key business and operational functions, including safety and quality monitoring, reporting and ULD management.

In the financial year 2022-23, the team assisted a total of 7 million passengers and moved over 60,000 tonnes of cargo in Geneva and Zürich.