dnata, one of the world’s largest air services providers, celebrates the 25th anniversary of its first overseas operation.

The Gerry’s Group in Pakistan and UAE-based dnata joined hands in July 1993 as Gerry’s dnata to provide ground handling services at Karachi Airport. The joint venture has since grown to become Pakistan’s largest cargo and ground handling company operating at seven major airports in the country.

The establishment of dnata’s first international joint venture with Gerry’s Group led the way for the expansion of its international airport operations through acquisitions, partnerships, as well as organic growth. Today, dnata is a truly global player that ensures the aviation industry operates smoothly and efficiently in 84 countries providing service excellence to over 300 airline customers.

dnata’s reliable and quality services are delivered by a team of over 41,000 dedicated professionals who support more than 243,000 passengers, handle over 1,800 flights and move 8,450 tonnes of cargo at 130 airports every day.

Gary Chapman, President of dnata, said: “We are proud to celebrate the 25^thanniversary of our first international joint venture. Our operations with Gerry’s dnata in Pakistan continue to grow from strength to strength.”

“Starting from Pakistan, we’ve successfully leveraged the expertise from our established UAE operations to become one of the largest and most trusted combined air services provider in the industry, operating in highly competitive markets across six continents. Nearly 70% of dnata’s revenues today come from our international operations. Looking ahead, our strategy remains grounded in the same principles: continually enhance our operations to create more value for our stakeholders, while ensuring service excellence and the highest level of safety all around the dnata network.”

In airline catering, dnata made its first international foray in Singapore in 2004. This was followed in 2010, by a major global acquisition of Alpha Flight Group which brought nearly 6,000 employees across 11 countries into its fold. As the world’s leading culinary caterer, dnata currently operates 63 catering facilities in 13 countries producing over 320,000 world-class meals every day. dnata also provides inflight retail for leading airlines and operates more than 40 cafes, restaurants and lounges around the world.

dnata’s travel division has also expanded to meet its customers’ growing and diverse travel needs. By developing its own brands and acquiring interests in other established travel companies, dnata travel today operates 20 travel brands, offering comprehensive travel services for individuals, companies and the travel trade across 77 countries, booking over 21,000 hotel stays every day.