Dubai-based dnata, one of the world’s leading air services providers, has been named ‘Ground Handler of the Year’ at the 2020 Air Cargo News Awards for the sixth consecutive year.

The award, which has long been recognised as the preeminent accolade in the air cargo industry, was accepted by Ross Marino, dnata’s Regional CEO for Europe, at a digital event.

“This recognition is a testament to our teams’ relentless commitment to safety, innovation and service excellence in the industry’s most challenging year on record. We continue to go the extra mile to consistently deliver the promises our customers make at each dnata station in the world,” said Ross Marino.

In 2020 dnata has continued to deliver reliable and safe air services to support and create value for airline customers and local communities amid Covid-19 challenges. Although passenger flights have been significantly reduced globally, air cargo demand has remained stable and dnata has been working closely with government authorities, customers and suppliers to maintain global trade and the flow of essential goods. In the first nine months of the calendar year the company’s dedicated teams handled over 90,000 tonnes of PPE, life-saving medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.

At each of its 46 cargo stations, dnata has been using cutting-edge technologies and global best practices to ensure that every pharma and vaccine shipment is handled in compliance with the highest international standards. The company's certified warehouses are capable of handling large volumes and can be further expanded to handle the Covid-19 vaccine when demand arises.

In response to the strong air cargo market demand for the rapid, reliable and efficient transportation of essential commodities, several airlines have introduced additional cargo capacity by using passenger aircraft with seats fully or partially removed from the cabin. To adapt to changing customer needs, dnata has also enhanced services, improved processes and trained employees to safely and efficiently handle passenger planes carrying cargo only.

dnata has also enhanced cargo capacities by opening state-of-the-art cargo centres in London, Manchester (UK) and Brussels (Belgium). All new facilities are equipped with the latest technologies and comply with the highest industry standards ensuring efficient and safe handling of a broad range of cargo.

dnata’s ability to provide reliable and safe cargo handling services has been underpinned globally by the achievement of industry accreditations, including the CEIV certification of its Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and Singapore facilities as well as the ISAGO certification of its Erbil (Iraq) and San Francisco (US) operations.

In addition to its cargo services, dnata has launched innovative new products and services across its global operations to help airlines and passengers navigate the new normal. The company has added thermal screening, baggage disinfection and even home Covid-testing services to its offering at various locations around the world.

dnata provides quality and reliable ground handling and cargo services at 88 airports in 14 countries. – TradeArabia News Service