Growth across its business divisions illustrates healthy travel demand, and dnata’s ability to attract and serve customers with quality products and services
dnata, one of the world’s largest air services providers, has completed its busiest summer ever, marking outstanding growth all across its global operations. Providing quality and reliable ground handling, flight catering and travel services, the dnata team ensured a smooth travel experience for millions of customers in 85 countries.
Gary Chapman, President of dnata, said: “Forecasts for global aviation and travel demand have been on an upward trajectory, and dnata is proud to contribute to the growth and success of these dynamic industries. Our investments to grow our capability and business footprint has always been underpinned by a laser focus on safety, reliability and quality. This solid business foundation has enabled dnata to smoothly and successfully complete our busiest summer ever, and I’d like to thank our global workforce for their dedication, as well our customers for their trust in us.”
Reflecting its significantly expanded international passenger handling operations, dnata’s dedicated staff at 75 airports around the world marked a new milestone by supporting more than 40 million travellers from check-in to boarding and from disembarkation to baggage collection during the summer travel period.
Selecting impeccable produce and preparing it with flair, dnata’s catering team and Michelin star chefs at its 60 catering facilities served a whopping 29 million world-class meals to passengers of 103 international airlines travelling between June and August 2018, which represents a 16% increase year over year.
dnata’s travel division has also delivered remarkable results during the season, providing comprehensive services to individuals, companies and the travel trade including hotel, flight, cruise and holiday bookings, destination management services and in-resort attractions and events. dnata’s multiple brands looked after over three million customers, with over five and a half million room nights provided and almost two million flights booked.
In Dubai, the dnata airport operations team successfully managed 107,000 aircraft movements and assisted 23.5 million passengers over the peak summer travel period. On an average day, the company’s customer-oriented staff handled 210,000 baggage with care using the latest technologies in the airport’s state-of-the-art facilities.
In addition, some 1,100 customers took advantage of the innovative baggage delivery service of DUBZ, a new member of the dnata family, and enjoyed the convenience of checking in their baggage and getting their boarding passes from their home or hotel.
In the three months from June till August, marhaba agents welcomed and assisted 65,000 passengers at Dubai’s two international airports, facilitating a swift and safe passage through the terminals for them and their families. dnata’s eleven premium marhaba lounges in the UAE, Australia and Pakistan were visited by 530, 000 passengers, which represents over 10% growth year over year.
Arabian Adventures, dnata’s leading destination company in the region, also closed a busy summer. With their excellent local knowledge, the friendly guides made 70,000 customers’ travel experience richer during a total of 2,500 tours and safaris across the UAE.
*All data refer to the period 1 June - 31 August.
Meela Seenarain
Dubai, United Arab Emirates UAE