Emirates cargo veteran Nabil Sultan appointed CEO of dnata in major leadership transition

The Emirates Group has named Nabil Sultan as the next Chief Executive Officer of dnata, effective 15 June 2026, marking one of the most significant leadership transitions within the global aviation services sector this year.Sultan, one of the most experienced cargo and commercial leaders within the Emirates ecosystem, succeeds Steve Allen, who has led dnata since March 2021 through a period of post-pandemic recovery, operational expansion and record financial performance.The appointment signals continuity within the Emirates Group’s long-established internal leadership pipeline while reinforcing dnata’s strategic focus on cargo, ground handling, digital transformation and international expansion at a time of heightened volatility across global aviation and supply chains.

From cargo leadership to group-wide responsibility

Sultan brings more than three decades of experience within the Emirates organisation.Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President for Passenger Sales and Country Management at Emirates, overseeing the airline’s global commercial operations across key international markets.Before moving into passenger commercial leadership, Sultan spent more than a decade leading Emirates SkyCargo as Divisional Senior Vice President, where he played a central role in expanding the carrier’s global freight footprint, strengthening specialised product offerings and positioning SkyCargo among the world’s leading international air freight operators.Under his cargo leadership, Emirates SkyCargo expanded freighter operations, deepened pharmaceutical and perishables capabilities, accelerated digital booking initiatives and strengthened its strategic role in global supply chains.According to Emirates Group sources, Sultan will formally assume the CEO role on 15 June 2026. 

Leadership transition at a pivotal moment

Sultan takes over dnata at a critical stage for the aviation services giant.The company—wholly owned by Emirates Group—operates cargo handling, ground services, catering and travel businesses across more than 30 countries, serving hundreds of airline customers and millions of passengers annually.The transition follows a strong financial year for dnata.According to the Emirates Group’s latest annual report for the financial year ending 31 March 2026, dnata delivered record profit before tax of AED 1.6 billion (US$437 million), with revenues rising 12 percent to AED 23.6 billion (US$6.4 billion).Revenue from airport operations, including cargo and ground handling, increased to AED 11.2 billion (US$3.1 billion), while dnata handled 3.2 million tonnes of cargo globally during the reporting period. 

Steve Allen exits after transformation phase

Outgoing CEO Steve Allen leaves after more than 15 years with the Emirates Group.Appointed dnata CEO in March 2021, Allen guided the business through one of the most challenging operating environments in aviation history, overseeing recovery from pandemic disruption while expanding dnata’s international footprint across airport operations, cargo handling, travel services and hospitality.Prior to becoming CEO, Allen led dnata’s airport operations and cargo services in the UAE from 2016 and later took responsibility for dnata’s global travel businesses in 2020, driving digital transformation across multiple business units.Before joining Emirates Group in 2009, Allen spent 16 years with British Airways in operational, financial and commercial leadership roles. 

Cargo expertise to shape dnata’s next growth chapter

Sultan’s appointment is particularly notable for the cargo sector.Few senior airline executives have as extensive a background in both air freight and global commercial strategy. Between 1995 and 2008, Sultan held senior leadership roles across the United Kingdom, India, West Asia, the Gulf, Europe and the CIS before being promoted in 2009 to Divisional Senior Vice President for Revenue Optimisation and Distribution at Emirates.His appointment comes as dnata continues investing heavily in cargo infrastructure, digital logistics platforms, automation and strategic acquisitions across key international markets.Industry observers expect Sultan’s cargo-first perspective to support dnata’s continued expansion in specialist handling, e-commerce logistics, pharmaceutical supply chains and integrated ground operations as airlines increasingly seek resilient global service partners.At the same time, ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting Middle East airspace, volatile supply chains and shifting trade patterns are placing new demands on aviation service providers—making leadership continuity and operational agility increasingly critical.With Sultan now preparing to take the helm, dnata enters its next phase from a position of financial strength, operational scale and strategic relevance across the global aviation ecosystem.