dnata is providing extensive on-ground logistics and technical support for this year’s Dubai Airshow, mobilising more than 100 ground support vehicles to ensure smooth and efficient aircraft movements across the static and flying displays at Dubai World Central (DWC).
The company has deployed 111 motorised assets, including pushback tractors, ground power units, passenger steps, and air conditioning units, to maintain seamless operations throughout the week-long event.
“There’s an entire choreography behind every aircraft movement at the Dubai Airshow,” said Jaffar Dawood, Divisional Senior Vice President – UAE Airport Operations at dnata.
“Our teams have supported this event for many years, and we apply the same focus and precision that we bring to our day-to-day airport operations.”
Supporting one of the world’s largest airshows requires dnata to coordinate the movement of heavy equipment between DXB and DWC, while keeping both airports fully operational.
This complex operation is managed by dnata Technical Services, which uses a fleet of articulated trucks and low-bed trailers, backed by dnata Logistics, to ensure flawless transfers.
“Our priority is to keep both airports running seamlessly while managing a live event of this scale,” Dawood said.
“It’s about precise coordination between our ground handling, logistics and technical teams to ensure that every flight continues on schedule.”
As a founding member of the oneDXB Sustainability Alliance — in collaboration with Dubai Airports and flydubai — dnata is also playing a major role in the Sustainability Showcase, the first initiative of its kind on the global airshow circuit.
Of the 111 ground support assets at DWC, 14 are dedicated to sustainability-themed displays, including: The TLD TPX-100-E electric towbarless aircraft tractor; The Oshkosh AeroTech Commander 15i electric loader; The TLD ABS-580-E electric passenger step; and The solar-powered Aviramp Continental passenger boarding ramp.
These vehicles are already operational within dnata’s Dubai fleet, reducing on-ground emissions and fuel use.
“This collaboration demonstrates how Dubai’s aviation community is driving sustainability through real-world innovation,” said Dawood. “We’re proud to show how these technologies are already contributing to safer, cleaner ground operations.”
dnata is also showcasing emerging technologies, including the TractEasy autonomous baggage tractor, an AI-powered detection system for lower-deck loaders, and the ASD+ autonomous aircraft docking system developed with TLD — now being tailored for the Airbus A380.
dnata’s participation at the Airshow coincides with a record first-half performance for 2025. The company handled 450,903 aircraft turns globally (up 15% year-on-year) and 1.59 million tonnes of cargo (up 3%).
These results underline dnata’s sustained investment strategy. Earlier this year, the company announced a $110 million investment to add 800 new ground support units across 10 global markets — including the UAE, USA, Brazil, Italy, and Singapore — following $210 million in framework contracts in 2024 to accelerate equipment renewal and decarbonisation.
“Electrification is progressing fastest where infrastructure supports it,” Dawood said. “In high-heat, high-demand environments like Dubai, we’re combining electric, hybrid, and bio-diesel technologies to maintain reliability while lowering emissions. It’s a pragmatic path to a lower-carbon future.”
