dnata adds 340 new ground equipment assets

dnata has invested AED 175 million in more than 340 new ground support equipment (GSE) assets in the UAE since January, as Dubai prepares for further growth in aviation. The investment covers fleet replacement and additional equipment for operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC).

The new equipment includes aircraft loaders with improved safety features, AI-enabled cameras to detect hazards beneath loading platforms, and additional aircraft pushback and towing vehicles. These additions aim to improve safety, reduce equipment shortages and support reliable aircraft turnaround as flight activity increases.

The investment also reflects the need for ground handlers to plan equipment purchases well ahead of demand, given long procurement and delivery times. Better visibility during loading and greater towing capacity can help ground teams manage aircraft movements more safely and efficiently.

“Ground equipment has long procurement and delivery cycles, so fleet planning needs to stay several years ahead of demand,” said Nabil Sultan Al Murr, Group Chief Executive Officer, dnata.

The company is also developing automated aircraft docking systems and using 3D printing for selected equipment parts. These technologies will be showcased at Airport Show 2026.

dnata operates around 2,800 motorised GSE assets across DXB and DWC. Globally, it operates about 4,700 assets, provides ground handling and cargo services at 86 airports, and handled more than 888,000 aircraft turns and 3.2 million tonnes of cargo in 2025-26.