Sustainable Shift: dnata Fleet Completely Transitions To Biodiesel In The UAE
dnata, a global air and travel services provider, has reached a significant milestone in its environmental sustainability efforts. The company announced that all its non-electric airside vehicles and ground support equipment (GSE) at its largest operational hub in Dubai now run exclusively on a biodiesel blend.
This initiative, in collaboration with Dubai Airports and the Emirates National Oil Company Group (ENOC), is expected to reduce CO₂ equivalent emissions by over 3,500 tonnes annually. This reduction is comparable to driving an average diesel-powered car for over 21 million kilometres.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, emphasised the importance of collective effort in aviation sustainability. "Sustainability in aviation requires everyone to pitch in, and as the airport operator, we're committed to driving change. Our partnership with dnata and ENOC to introduce biodiesel highlights how collaboration can lead to real progress. While sector-wide solutions are crucial, airports must also score quick wins on the ground," he stated.
The initiative has been gradually implemented across dnata's extensive ground handling and cargo operations at both Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum - Dubai World Central (DWC) airports. This involves a total of 2,500 vehicles supporting over 220,000 flights annually.
Steve Allen, CEO of dnata Group, remarked on the company's commitment: "Our latest initiative to switch all our non-electric airside vehicles to biodiesel in Dubai is a big step forward in our decarbonisation journey. It demonstrates our dedication to cutting emissions, a core part of our environmental strategy, while maintaining the highest level of quality and safety across our operations."
ENOC Group has played a crucial role by providing dedicated biofuel trucks and fuel stations for dnata's transition. Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO at ENOC, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership: "We are delighted to continue our ongoing cooperation with dnata by delivering biodiesel to their airside fleet and ground support equipment (GSE). This partnership underscores ENOC Group's commitment to expedite the UAE's transition to clean and sustainable energy sources under the National Policy on Biofuels."
Since last summer, dnata has been using a blend of biodiesel across its landside fleets at dnata logistics, City Sightseeing Tours, Arabian Adventures, and Alpha Flight Services in the UAE. This move aligns with their broader strategy of reducing carbon emissions across various operations.
dnata has reported notable improvements in key environmental performance metrics for the financial year 2023-24. The company reduced carbon intensity by over 8%, 22%, and 26% across its airport operations, travel services, and catering businesses respectively. These figures have been validated by Verifavia, an independent accredited environmental verification body.
The company minimises emissions by using renewable energy where available. In markets like the UK and Ireland, dnata exclusively procures solar and wind energy. Recently installed solar panels in Pakistan and the Philippines further reduce reliance on fossil fuels. In the financial year 2023-24 alone, dnata generated 21% more renewable energy and purchased 191% more renewable electricity compared to the previous year.
Sign in with Google