dnata has committed AED 175 million to new ground support equipment (GSE) in the UAE since the start of the year, as it prepares for continued growth across Dubai’s aviation sector.
The investment covers more than 340 new assets, spanning fleet renewal and additional capacity. dnata currently operates approximately 2,800 motorised GSE assets across Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC).
Much of the programme focuses on equipment with enhanced safety features and technology, alongside increased aircraft pushback and towing capability to strengthen resilience across dnata’s ground handling operations.
Nabil Sultan Al Murr, Group Chief Executive Officer, dnata, said: “Dubai’s aviation sector is entering another major phase of growth, and we are investing with the future operation in mind. Ground equipment has long procurement and delivery cycles, so fleet planning needs to stay several years ahead of demand.
“We are using this investment to strengthen the fundamentals of the operation: renewing assets at the right point in their lifecycle, adding capacity where we see sustained growth, and improving resilience in areas that are critical to aircraft turnaround. At the same time, we are raising the standard of the fleet through better safety features and technology. As DWC takes on a larger role in Dubai’s aviation system, that long-term approach to fleet planning becomes even more important.”
Investing in safer, more resilient operations
Safety is a major focus of dnata’s latest fleet investment, with new equipment incorporating features designed to give teams greater visibility and control during aircraft handling.
These include aircraft loaders with features that make working at height safer, alongside AI-enabled detection cameras positioned beneath loading platforms. The cameras improve visibility in areas that can otherwise be difficult for operators to monitor, helping identify potential hazards during ground handling activities.
dnata is also strengthening its aircraft pushback and towing fleet, an essential part of the aircraft turnaround process. The investment will provide greater flexibility and resilience in an area where equipment availability is critical to maintaining reliable aircraft movements.
These enhancements reflect dnata’s broader approach to GSE fleet planning, which takes into account changing operational requirements, aircraft types and fleet mix. Equipment is selected to strengthen safety, reliability and long-term operational performance.
Showcasing the future of ground handling
Technology is becoming an increasingly important part of that planning. dnata is advancing solutions including automated aircraft docking systems and the use of 3D printing to produce selected GSE components, with a focus on improving how equipment is operated, maintained and kept available for service.
Beyond the UAE, dnata operates approximately 4,700 motorised GSE assets across its global network and provides ground handling and cargo services at 86 airports worldwide. In the 2025-26 financial year, dnata’s teams handled more than 888,000 aircraft turns and processed 3.2 million tonnes of cargo across its global network.
