dnata grows green operations at DXB
10 / 10 / 2024
dnata electric ground power unit. Photo: dnata
Ground handler dnata has invested $4m in 14 new 180kVA electric ground power units (GPU) at Dubai International airport (DXB) to cut operational emissions.
The new GPUs – a mobile or stationary device used to provide electrical power to aircraft while they are on the ground – will replace diesel equipment and reduce fuel consumption by 550,000 litres annually at DXB, said dnata.
dnata’s first four electric GPUs have already been deployed, exclusively supporting Emirates Engineering’s services. The remaining 10 units are expected to arrive in November.
Overall, the new equipment will handle 33% of all GPU utilisation at the airport.
Jaffar Dawood, senior vice president, airport operations – UAE and MEA, dnata, said: “Our latest fleet investment underlines our ongoing commitment to using electric equipment wherever the airport’s infrastructure permits.
“It reflects our focus on environmental responsibility and aligns with both customer expectations and the airport’s sustainability efforts. In addition, it improves operational efficiency and reduces maintenance needs.
“We will continue to promote industry collaboration and advocate for infrastructure improvements to achieve our goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.”
The company’s fleet strategy commits to phasing out diesel-powered engines and switching to hybrid, electric, or hydrogen wherever airports have provided the necessary infrastructure.
dnata is also actively engaging with biofuel suppliers to reduce emissions. Most recently, it has transitioned its entire non-electric fleet to biodiesel at DXB and Al Maktoum – Dubai World Central (DWC).
For the financial year 2023-24, the company cut the carbon intensity of its operations by over 8%, 22% and 26% across its airport operations, travel and catering businesses, respectively.
Renewable energy is also a focus area for dnata. In some markets, such as the UK and Ireland, the company exclusively procures solar and wind energy. Most recently, it has installed solar panels across several facilities in Pakistan and the Philippines to avoid consuming fossil-fuel powered electricity.
In the financial year 2023-24, dnata said it generated 21% more renewable energy and purchased 191% more renewable electricity than in the same period the previous year.
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 (VTMS); conducts logistics mapping exercises to ensure minimal distances are travelled airside; and optimises shifts and parking slots to avoid excessive fuel burn.
The company additionally 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.
In September 2023, dnata became the first combined air services provider to receive the International Air Transport Association’ (IATA) environmental management certification in recognition of its sustainability investments across its portfolio of businesses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).