dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, is delivering extensive on-ground support for the Dubai Airshow 2025, deploying a massive fleet of ground support equipment (GSE) and highlighting its commitment to operational excellence and industry-leading sustainability initiatives at Dubai World Central (DWC).
The company has mobilised 111 motorised assets, including essential equipment such as aircraft pushback tractors, ground power units, passenger steps, and air conditioning units, to ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft across the event’s static and flying displays throughout the week.
“There’s an entire choreography behind every aircraft movement at the Dubai Airshow,” said Jaffar Dawood, Divisional Senior Vice President – UAE Airport Operations at dnata. “Our teams have supported this event for many years, and we apply the same focus and precision that we bring to our day-to-day airport operations, managing complex logistics between DXB and DWC while ensuring normal airport operations continue uninterrupted.”
Driving Sustainability and Innovation
As a founding member of the oneDXB Sustainability Alliance, dnata is a key contributor to the Sustainability Showcase—a first-of-its-kind initiative on the global airshow circuit.
Of the 111 dnata assets deployed, 14 are dedicated to the sustainability display, showcasing advanced electric and solar-powered GSE already integrated into dnata’s operational fleet in Dubai. These units include the TLD TPX-100-E electric towbarless aircraft tractor, the Oshkosh AeroTech Commander 15i electric loader, and the solar-powered Aviramp Continental passenger boarding ramp.
Within the showcase, dnata is also presenting several innovations currently in use or undergoing live trials, such as the TractEasy autonomous baggage tractor operating at DWC, an AI-powered detection camera system for enhanced ramp safety, and the ASD+ autonomous aircraft docking system being tailored for the A380.
Mr. Dawood commented: “This collaboration demonstrates how Dubai’s aviation community is driving sustainability through real-world innovation. We’re proud to show how these technologies are already contributing to safer, cleaner ground operations.”
Underpinned by Record Performance and Investment
dnata’s high-profile participation coincides with a record half-year performance, underscoring the company’s strong operational and financial position. Globally, dnata’s airport operations division handled 450,903 aircraft turns, up 15 per cent from the same period last year, and 1.59 million tonnes of cargo.
These results reflect dnata’s significant commitment to global investment and decarbonisation. In 2025, the company announced a $110 million investment to introduce more than 800 new ground support units across 10 markets. This follows global framework contracts worth $210 million to accelerate equipment renewal and its transition to biofuel across non-electric assets.
“Electrification is progressing fastest where infrastructure supports it,” Dawood concluded. “In high-heat, high-demand environments like Dubai, we’re combining electric, hybrid, and bio-diesel technologies to maintain reliability while lowering emissions. It’s a pragmatic path to a lower-carbon future.”
