For the 5th consecutive time, dnata has been named ‘Ground Handler of the Year’ at the 2019 Air Cargo News Awards. The award, which has long been recognised as the preeminent accolade in the air cargo industry, was accepted by Ross Marino, Senior Vice President of dnata’s International Airport Operations, at a gala dinner in London.

“At dnata we constantly enhance our operations to deliver the best possible services for our customers,” said Ross Marino. “In the past 12 months we have continued to invest in new business opportunities, advanced infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies. Our global milestones include significant expansion in key markets, opening of state-of-the-art facilities and the achievement of prestigious industry certifications. We stay focussed on delivering safe, quality and innovative services to our customers, every day.”

dnata’s airport operations saw robust organic growth across its global businesses in the past 12 months winning over 80 new contracts in key markets, including the United States, Canada, the UK, the UAE, Australia and Italy, which were coupled with solid customer retention.

In line with the growing demand for its quality services, the company significantly expanded its ground handling operations at a number of its existing airports, such as Toronto (Canada), New York JFK and San Francisco (US), while also adding new stations, including one of the world’s largest international airports, Los Angeles and Nashville (US) to its network.

dnata also invested in increased cargo capacity and opened state-of-the-art facilities in Brussels (Belgium), Dallas (US), London (UK), and Toronto. Each facility is equipped with the latest technologies and complies with the highest industry standards ensuring efficient and safe handling of a broad range of cargo.

dnata’s ability to provide reliable and safe ground and cargo handling services was underpinned globally by the achievement of prestigious industry accreditations, including the CEIV certification of its Dallas, Dubai and Toronto facilities, the GDP certification of its London and Zurich facilities as well as the ISAGO certification of its Pakistani and Philippine operations.

Besides its organic growth, dnata enhanced its operations by investing in other companies. In Italy dnata strengthened its market presence by increasing its share in Airport Handling SPA, a Milan based ground handler to 70%, whilst in the UAE it expanded its service offering to travellers by acquiring a majority stake in DUBZ, a Dubai-based baggage storage and delivery service company.

Wherever feasible, dnata continued to invest in green building design, equipment, processes and technology that support its commitment to sustainable operations. Among many initiatives, the company replaced petrol and diesel powered ramp vehicles with hybrid and electrical ones in the UK and the UAE.

In calendar year 2018, dnata’s dedicated team handled 700,000 flights and 3.3 million tons of cargo, which represent 7% and 9% increase year on year, respectively.

As one of the world’s leading air services providers, dnata provides quality and reliable ground handling and cargo services at 88 airports in 14 countries.