UAE-based dnata, the global airport services provider, says it will replace all of its vehicles and equipment with electric ones in its latest sustainability drive. As part of the Emirates Group, dnata is pushing sustainability to the core to become carbon neutral, reduce general and maintenance cost.
At the Airport Show held this week at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the company set up a sustainability zone to provide the opportunity for electric/hybrid ground support equipment (GSE) and ground handling equipment manufacturers to showcase their latest innovations.
Vice President for UAE and Regional Business Development at dnata, Raed Younes, said: “Reducing the carbon footprint is a key target for dnata as a world-leading air and travel services provider at 129 airports.
“We expect exhibitors from across the world to be joining the efforts to make their operations sustainable to ensure a better future.”
dnata said across Dubai and Jebel Ali there are about 30,000 types of equipment such as motorised and non-motorised trolleys, hybrid cars and thousands of tractors.
It has started replacing them with electric ones as well as exploring to convert the heavy-duty tractors with electric units.
“We are trying to promote sustainability just to make sure that it is a greener world, and trying to give back to the society by reducing carbon emission and maintenance,” dnata said in a statement.
Exhibitors at dnata’s sustainability zone, called e-Apron, included Sweden’s Cobus Industries, which showcased its electric bus for service at airports and Colibri Energy, a German company that helps airports and ground handlers maximise efficiency through lithium technology.
Ground support equipment firm TLD was also showcasing its innovations. Jurek Grzeszek, Director Sales & Service, TLD Middle-East, Africa and India, said fully electrified ground support equipment is undoubtedly where the industry is heading.
TLD has been developing its iBS battery technology to electrify a range of high-powered ramp equipment. “The technological advances offer a huge portfolio of the latest electric equipment for our customers, whilst also allowing the electrification option for older GSE through our retrofit programme,” he said.
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