dnata ground support vehicles play a crucial role in keeping the Dubai Airshow 2025 running smoothly and safely. With more than 100 motorized assets deployed at Dubai World Central, dnata ensures that aircraft movements during the weeklong event are handled with precision and care. This extensive deployment includes aircraft pushback tractors, ground power units, passenger steps, air conditioning units, and many other types of essential equipment that keep the event running without a hitch.
As one of the leading ground handling and airport services providers, dnata brings years of experience and expertise to the Dubai Airshow. This article explores the company’s massive ground support operation, its innovative sustainability initiatives, and how dnata continues to set new standards in airport logistics and efficiency.
The Role of dnata Ground Support Vehicles at the Dubai Airshow
dnata ground support vehicles are the backbone of airport operations, and at an event as large and complex as the Dubai Airshow, their importance is magnified. The company has mobilized approximately 111 motorized assets to facilitate aircraft movement safely across the static and flying displays at Dubai World Central. These vehicles include
- aircraft pushback tractors that move aircraft safely away from gates
- ground power units providing electricity to planes on the ground
- passenger steps and boarding ramps for safe and efficient boarding
- air conditioning units to maintain comfortable conditions inside aircraft
According to Jaffar Dawood, Divisional Senior Vice President – UAE Airport Operations at dnata, there is an entire choreography behind every aircraft movement at the Dubai Airshow. Our teams apply the same focus and precision here as in our everyday airport operations.
Managing Complex Logistics Across Airports
The logistics of supporting the Dubai Airshow are complicated, involving coordination between two major airports, Dubai International and Dubai World Central. dnata Technical Services fleet, consisting of articulated trucks and low bed trailers, handles the transportation of heavy ground equipment between these locations while ensuring regular airport activities proceed without interruption.
dnata Logistics works closely with ground handling and technical teams to manage this delicate balance. Jaffar Dawood notes, Our priority is to keep both airports running seamlessly while managing a live event of this scale. Precise coordination is essential to ensure every flight, whether at Dubai International or Dubai World Central, operates on schedule.
This careful orchestration allows the Airshow to function like clockwork, even amidst the bustling activity of thousands of visitors, exhibitors, and aircraft.
Sustainability and Innovation in Ground Support Vehicles
dnata’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its deployment of ground support vehicles, with 14 dedicated to the Sustainability Showcase at the Dubai Airshow. This display highlights electric and solar powered equipment, underscoring dnata’s role as a founding member of the oneDXB Sustainability Alliance, a collaboration involving Dubai Airports and flydubai.
Among the ecofriendly vehicles on display are
- TLD TPX 100 E electric towbarless aircraft tractor
- Oshkosh AeroTech Commander 15i electric loader
- TLD ABS 580 E electric passenger step
- Solar powered Aviramp Continental passenger boarding ramp
These vehicles help reduce emissions, lower noise levels, and minimize fuel consumption on the ground. They are already in active service at dnata’s Dubai operations, proving the company’s ongoing commitment to cleaner, safer airport environments.
Jaffar Dawood explains, This collaboration demonstrates how Dubai’s aviation community is driving sustainability through realworld innovation. We’re proud to showcase technologies that are already contributing to safer, cleaner ground operations.
Cutting Edge Technology in Ground Support
In addition to electric vehicles, dnata is presenting innovative technologies as part of the Sustainability Showcase. These include
- TractEasy autonomous baggage tractor, currently operating at Dubai World Central, which improves efficiency in luggage transport
- AI powered detection camera system for lower deck loaders, enhancing ramp safety by monitoring operations and alerting teams to potential hazards
- ASD plus autonomous aircraft docking system, developed with TLD specifically for the Airbus A380, streamlining aircraft parking with precision
These technological advancements highlight dnata’s focus on safety and efficiency while reducing human error and increasing automation.
dnata’s Record Performance and Investment Momentum
The Dubai Airshow coincides with a period of record growth for dnata. The company reported a 15 percent increase in aircraft turns globally during the first half of 2025, with a total of 450,903 turns. Cargo handling also rose by 3 percent, reaching 1.59 million tonnes.
Such performance reflects dnata’s ongoing investment in infrastructure and technology. In 2025 alone, the company committed 110 million dollars to acquire more than 800 new ground support units across 10 markets worldwide, including the United Arab Emirates, United States, Brazil, Italy, and Singapore. This follows a 210 million dollar global framework contract announced in 2024 to accelerate equipment renewal and decarbonization.
Of this budget, over 100 million dollars is earmarked for ground support equipment upgrades, paired with a transition to biofuels for nonelectric assets. Jaffar Dawood explains the company’s approach: Electrification progresses fastest where infrastructure supports it. In hot, high demand environments like Dubai, we combine electric, hybrid, and biodiesel technologies to maintain reliability while lowering emissions.
The Future of dnata Ground Support Vehicles
As the aviation industry increasingly focuses on sustainability and innovation, dnata’s ground support fleet stands at the forefront of this transformation. By blending new technologies, sustainable energy solutions, and precise operational management, dnata ensures the smooth, safe, and environmentally responsible movement of aircraft during events like the Dubai Airshow.
This commitment not only enhances the experience for airlines and passengers but also contributes to the broader goals of reducing the aviation sector’s environmental footprint.
Conclusion
The deployment of over 100 dnata ground support vehicles at the Dubai Airshow 2025 is a testament to the company’s expertise in airport operations and its leadership in sustainable innovation. From electric aircraft tractors to AI powered safety systems, dnata combines cutting edge technology with decades of experience to deliver seamless, efficient ground support in one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.
As the aviation industry moves toward a greener, smarter future, dnata’s ongoing investment in advanced ground support equipment and sustainable practices positions it as a pioneer, ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow while keeping today’s operations running smoothly.
dnata ground support vehicles remain essential to the success of largescale aviation events, proving that behind every aircraft movement lies a complex, carefully coordinated effort driven by innovation, dedication, and a strong commitment to sustainability.
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