dnata announced the addition of 14 new, 180kVA electric ground power units (GPUs) to its ground support equipment fleet at Dubai International airport (DXB).
The new equipment will handle 33 percent of all GPU utilisation at the world’s busiest international airport. They will replace dieselpowered equipment, reducing fuel consumption by some 550,000 litres annually, says an official release.
“A GPU is a mobile or stationary device used to provide electrical power to aircraft while they are on the ground. dnata’s first four electric GPUs have already been deployed in its operations, exclusively supporting Emirates Engineering’s services. The remaining 10 units are expected to arrive in November.”
dnata’s latest fleet enhancement, which represents a $4 million investment, is part of its ongoing efforts to enhance environmental efficiency across its operations, the release added. “dnata is also actively engaging with biofuel suppliers to reduce emissions. Most
recently, it has transitioned its entire non-electric fleet to biodiesel at the two Dubai airports, DXB and Al Maktoum – Dubai World Central (DWC).”
Jaffar Dawood, Senior Vice President, Airport Operations – UAE and MEA, dnata says: “Our latest fleet investment underlines our ongoing commitment to using electric equipment wherever the airport’s infrastructure permits. It reflects our focus on environmental
responsibility and aligns with both customer expectations and the airport’s sustainability efforts. In addition, it improves operational efficiency and reduces maintenance needs. We will continue to promote industry collaboration and advocate for infrastructure improvements to achieve our goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2030.”
dnata recently installed solar panels across several facilities in Pakistan and the Philippines to avoid consuming fossil-fuel powered electricity. In the financial year 2023-24, dnata generated 21 percent more renewable energy and purchased 191 percent more renewable electricity than in the same period the previous year.
In September 2023, dnata became the first combined air services provider to receive the International Air Transport Association (IATA) environmental management certification as a recognition of its commitment to sustainability across its diverse portfolio of businesses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the release added.