Dubai's dnata inks UK deal with Air India

Dubai-based air services provider dnata has said it has added Air India to its growing number of clients in the UK.

Following on its business wins with Pakistan's Airblue in Manchester and Aeromexico at Heathrow earlier this week, dnata said it has now started ground handling services for the Indian carrier.

It said in a statement that its London’s Heathrow airport team has started passenger services for three daily flights for Air India.

In order to service the new contract for the airline, some 65 staff are expected to transfer across from the previous handler to join dnata.

Air India operates three flights daily using Boeing 777 aircraft, from Heathrow to Mumbai and Delhi.

Under the new contract, dnata is now providing passenger services to the airline, which include checking in passengers, operation of Air India’s ticket counter and Maharaja VIP Lounge and lost luggage staff to assist with queries in the arrivals hall.

Escort of first class and business class passengers to/from check-in/lounge/and gates as well as escorting these passengers inbound from the aircraft through immigration to the baggage reclaim area is also part of the contract.

Air India is expected to take delivery of its fourth Boeing 787 Dreamliner soon and the airline has plans to introduce the aircraft on the London route.

Handling of the Dreamliner is also included in the new contract, dnata added.