For the 9th time, dnata has been named Ground Support Services Provider of the Year at the Aviation Business Awards.  The award was accepted by Jaffar Dawood, Senior Vice President of dnata’s UAE airport operations, at a gala dinner in Dubai.

“We are honoured to receive this prestigious award as a testament of our uncompromising focus on customer service and innovation,” said Jaffar Dawood.  “Winning this award for the 9th time demonstrates our ability to consistently deliver safe and quality services to our customers. We stay committed to providing service excellence to all our airline partners and their passengers every day. ”

The Aviation Business Awards are organized by ITP Media Group, the publisher of Aviation Business publication, with the aim of honouring leadership and innovation in the regional aviation industry.

Operating at two airports, Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, dnata provides quality and reliable services to 129 airlines in the UAE. Every day, the company’s dedicated employees assist over 250,000 passengers, manage 1,160 aircraft movements, move 1,970 tons of cargo and prepare 13,000 inflight meals in the country.

In line with the ever rising passenger numbers and cargo volumes, dnata constantly invests in its operations and processes applying leading technology to improve efficiency and productivity. dnata’s most recent initiatives include the opening of new, state-of-the-art facilities (airport operations control centre, customer service centre and cargo integrated control centre, cargo warehouse), the recycling programme of its fleet of 12,000 units of ground services equipment (GSE), the conversion of its diesel-powered forklifts to electric ones as well as the introduction of a cutting-edge, cloud-based software platform that enables freight forwarders, agents and airlines to plan all land transport processes more efficiently.

Through its airport hospitality brand, marhaba, dnata also provides a comprehensive range of airport lounges and meet and greet services, ensuring a swift, smooth and safe passage through the two Dubai airports for over 6,000 Dubai customers and their families every day.

Further expanding its service portfolio, dnata earlier this year launched its innovative baggage delivery services by acquiring majority stake in DUBZ, a technology and logistics company.  With the new service, passengers flying out from Dubai can now enjoy the convenience of checking in their baggage and getting their boarding passes from their home or hotel.