dnata has committed AED 175 million (approximately US$48 million) to expand and modernise its ground support equipment (GSE) fleet in the United Arab Emirates, adding more than 340 assets to support growth across Dubai’s airports.
The investment, made since the start of 2026, covers fleet replacement and additional operational capacity at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
dnata currently operates approximately 2,800 motorised ground support equipment assets across the two airports. The latest investment prioritises equipment with enhanced safety features and technology, alongside additional aircraft pushback and towing capability to strengthen the reliability of ground handling operations.
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Nabil Sultan Al Murr, group chief executive of dnata, said the company was planning ahead for the next phase of growth in Dubai’s aviation sector, noting that GSE procurement and delivery timelines require long-term fleet planning.
The investment will enable dnata to replace ageing equipment, increase capacity in areas experiencing sustained demand and improve the availability of assets essential to aircraft turnaround operations. The company said these priorities would become increasingly important as DWC assumes a larger role in Dubai’s aviation infrastructure.
Safety and operational resilience
Safety is a central element of the fleet modernisation programme. New aircraft loaders will incorporate features designed to improve working conditions at height, while artificial intelligence-enabled detection cameras installed beneath loading platforms will give operators better visibility of areas that can be difficult to monitor.
The cameras are intended to help identify potential hazards during ground handling activities, supporting safer equipment operation around aircraft.
dnata is also expanding its pushback and towing capabilities. These functions are critical to aircraft movements on the ground, and additional equipment is expected to provide greater operational flexibility when availability is essential to maintaining reliable departures and arrivals.
The company said its fleet planning takes account of evolving operational requirements, aircraft types and changes in airline fleet composition, with equipment selected to improve safety, reliability and long-term performance.
Technology reshapes ground handling
Alongside fleet renewal, dnata is developing technologies intended to improve equipment operation, maintenance and availability. These include automated aircraft docking systems and the use of 3D printing to manufacture selected GSE components.
The technologies are part of a broader effort to improve ground handling processes and support more efficient maintenance. dnata plans to showcase a selection of these developments at Airport Show 2026.
The UAE investment forms part of the company’s wider international ground services operation. Outside the UAE, dnata operates approximately 4,700 motorised GSE assets across its global network and provides ground handling and cargo services at 86 airports worldwide.
During the 2025–26 financial year, dnata handled more than 888,000 aircraft turns and processed 3.2 million tonnes of cargo globally, according to company figures.
The latest investment underlines the importance of ground equipment availability and safety as airports prepare for increased traffic and evolving operational demands.
