Dubai-based dnata, one of the largest suppliers of combined air services, has invested more than Dh545 million ($148.3 million) to deepen its service offering in travel, cargo, ground handling and catering in 2014.

The investments, made across the globe, included the acquisitions of Gold Medal Travel and Stella Travel Services, new halal kitchens, enhanced cargo infrastructure in the UK, and continued investments in the company’s operations in Dubai, UAE.

Dnata, a subsidiary of Emirates Airline, offers aircraft ground handling, cargo, travel, and flight catering services across five continents.

The company marked several milestones this year, but at the same time faced unprecedented challenges. From instability in Iraq, security threats in Pakistan, airport runway upgrades in Dubai, and increased economic pressures around the globe, dnata has had to respond quickly, and review its operations to deliver the high quality services to its customers.

"We faced several challenges this year and though our teams were tested, we have kept our focus to deliver to our customers," said Gary Chapman, president, dnata.

"We remain committed to innovation and efficiency, while never compromising on safety and operational excellence. This is something our 250 airline customers have come to expect from us, and we will continue to deliver," Chapman said.

Interest from international airlines to fly to Dubai also remained high, as dnata had to manage the influx of passengers, cargo, and flights, to ensure a smooth experience for all.

Al Maktoum International airport at Dubai World Central (DWC) marked its first full year of passenger operations in 2014, and became a regional cargo hub with a capacity of 16 million tonnes per year. Dnata now handles more than 80,000 tonnes of cargo a month at DWC and this number will continue to grow.

During Dubai International airport’s (DXB) 80-day runway upgrade from May to July, more than 300 flights a week used Al Maktoum International airport. Dnata ensured the tight schedule ran smoothly at both hubs, handling more 20.2 million passengers, 24.5 million bags and 45,000 flights between the two airports over the 80-day period.

In addition, to the runway upgrades, dnata also worked closely with Dubai Airports and other stakeholders on other expansion work at DXB. This included the revamp of Terminal 2 and the development of Concourse D. Expected to open in 2015, the new concourse will provide an additional capacity of 18 million passengers.

Over the year, dnata invested millions into new ground support equipment (GSE) to ensure flights landing at the two airports are serviced safely and efficiently. The company also introduced electric baggage trolleys in Terminal 2, in addition to over 200 traditional motorised and non-motorised GSE, which are more environmentally friendly.

Dnata also saw UK as a key growth market for its airport operations as it enhanced cargo infrastructure at Glasgow, Birmingham, East Midlands, Newcastle and Gatwick airports.

Its cargo operations in Pakistan and the Philippines received RA3 Certification from the EU. With the certification, EU-member states recognise dnata’s operations in Pakistan and Manila as a regulated agent, and security controls applied on its ramp services are of a standard acceptable to EU authorities.

Dnata’s catering operations also continued to grow. In Rome and Milan, the company invested in two new halal kitchens, to meet the changing needs of its airline customers. Over the course of the year, its kitchens around the world uplifted more than 56 million into the skies. – TradeArabia News Service