dnata Keeps Dubai Airshow Moving

Our Bureau - : Nov 17, 2025 - : 6:56 am

dnata is powering the Dubai Airshow’s on-ground operations with more than 100 ground support vehicles deployed to manage aircraft movements across static and flying displays at Dubai World Central (DWC). The firm has mobilised 111 motorised assets for this year’s...

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The firm has mobilised 111 motorised assets for this year’s show, ranging from aircraft pushback tractors and ground power units to passenger steps and air-conditioning systems, ensuring smooth operations 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. “Our teams bring the same precision and focus that drive our day-to-day airport operations.”

Running the Airshow requires dnata to shift heavy ground equipment between DXB and DWC, all while maintaining uninterrupted operations at both airports. This complex movement is enabled by dnata Technical Services and dnata Logistics, using a fleet of articulated trucks and low-bed trailers. “Our priority is to keep both airports running seamlessly while managing a live event of this scale,” Dawood said. “It’s a prime example of dnata’s ability to plan, adapt and deliver under complex operational conditions.”

As a founding member of the oneDXB Sustainability Alliance with Dubai Airports and flydubai, dnata is a major contributor to the Airshow’s Sustainability Showcase—the first of its kind at any global airshow.

Fourteen of dnata’s deployed units are featured in the showcase, including the TLD TPX-100-E electric towbarless tractor, the Oshkosh AeroTech Commander 15i electric loader, the TLD ABS-580-E electric passenger steps, and the solar-powered Aviramp Continental boarding ramp. All showcased units are already active within dnata’s Dubai fleet, reducing emissions, noise, and on-ground fuel use.

“This collaboration shows how Dubai’s aviation community is accelerating real-world sustainability,” Dawood added. “These technologies are already contributing to safer, cleaner ground operations.”

dnata is also demonstrating operational innovations such as the TractEasy autonomous baggage tractor operating at DWC, an AI-powered safety-enhancing camera system for lower-deck loaders, and the ASD+ autonomous aircraft docking system developed with TLD and customised for the A380.

dnata’s participation comes as the company reports a record half-year performance and advances global framework contracts worth $210 million to accelerate equipment renewal and decarbonisation announced in 2024. Over $100 million has been allocated for ground support equipment upgrades, supported by dnata’s shift to biofuel across non-electric assets.

“Electrification is progressing fastest where infrastructure supports it,” Dawood said. “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.”