Dnata has been strengthening ties with partners and signing new deals as it seeks to grow not just its revenues but also its sustainability
Dnata has been growing connections and strengthening operations in Singapore with a number of its partners.
The Dubai-based ground handler is capitalising on long-term relations with partners from the city-state and has most recently expanded its partnership with Singapore Airlines.
At the end of May, the two parties signed a new agreement which will help the airline grow its presence in the UAE.
This will be done via dnata Representation Services which will provide marketing, sales and operational assistance for the airline as it seeks to enhance its market presence in the Emirates, including Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah and Umm al-Quwain.
The new arrangement will further strengthen relationships between the two companies as dnata already provides ramp and cargo handling services at Dubai International Airport for Singapore Airlines. The airline also resumed services to Dubai in January after they were suspended in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rashid Al Awadhi, vice president, dnata Travel Group – regional, says: “We are proud to be the representation services partner of choice for Singapore Airlines in the UAE.
“The expansion of our partnership is a testament to our excellent cooperation and outstanding results in Dubai over the past four decades. Our experienced team will work hard to ensure that Singapore Airlines achieves its business objectives and delivers on its growth plans in the country.”
The new arrangement is just one example of how dnata is working more closely with companies based in Singapore after it signed a memorandum of understanding with aquaculture consultant Blue Aqua.
Following the deal, the company will upcycle leftover organic waste from dnata’s catering and ground handling operation by feeding it to insects, which are then turned into fish food.
The benefits of the process include greater sustainability through the lower use of land, water and carbon while also giving Singapore’s fish farmers a domestic source of high-quality feed.
Adding Blue Aqua to dnata’s list of suppliers of locally farmed seafood for its catering operations further completes the virtuous circle.
Dnata regional CEO for Asia Pacific Dirk Goovaerts says: “We are delighted to partner with Blue Aqua to further decrease food waste and support the local food production supply chain.
“This initiative will help us minimise our environmental footprint whilst delivering the highest value for our customers and the communities around us.”
The deal comes following recognition from IATA over the quality of service dnata offers when it comes to the temperature-controlled handling of perishable products, including fresh fruits, meat, fish, dairy and flowers at Singapore Changi Airport.
The ground handler has been awarded IATA’s Centre of Excellence for Perishable Logistics (‘CEIV Fresh’) certification having met the exacting requirements based on the IATA Perishable Cargo Regulations (PCR), which combines professional regulatory and operational input from industry and government experts.
Dnata operates a modern, 1,400 metres squared pharma and perishable handling centre at Changi, which is capable of processing 75,000 tonnes of temperature-sensitive goods annually.
Sam Gould, dnata Singapore’s head of cargo, says: “There is an increasing demand for safe air transportation of temperature-sensitive goods.
“We constantly invest in infrastructure, training and process improvement to ensure that these delicate products reach the end-customer in perfect condition.
“IATA’s CEIV Fresh certification demonstrates the quality and reliability of our services, and supports Changi Airport’s positioning as the preferred cargo hub for time and temperature-sensitive shipments.”
Meanwhile closer to home, dnata is planning on giving improved line maintenance to its airline partners in Dubai following a deal with Global Jet Technic (GJT) which was also signed in May.
The new partnership will make the aircraft maintenance organisation’s services available to dnata customers at Dubai International Airport and Sharjah International Airport, as well as Dubai World Central Airport once operations launch there in the near future.
Dnata already provides ground handling and cargo services at Dubai International and Dubai World and, in the past 12 months, handled more than 77,000 flights and moved 570,000 tonnes of cargo in the country.
Dnata executive vice president Steve Allen says: “We are delighted to join forces with a reputable partner to expand our portfolio and provide a broader range of services to our airline customers in Dubai.
“Dnata and GJT share a passion for service excellence, safety and innovation. Our expert teams will ensure smooth delivery of tailor-made, quality line maintenance services across all aircraft types. We look forward to a long-standing, successful partnership with GJT.”
GJT chairman Captain Khamis Al Kaabi adds: “We value this partnership with dnata, a world-renowned air services provider, very highly and together we are very confident of making a great impact in line maintenance services delivery to the esteemed customers operating to these airports.
“This strategic partnership will play a key role in tapping into potential business at Dubai International and Dubai World Central airports.”
