Air services provider dnata has expanded into Zanzibar, investing more than US$7m and creating up to 400 local jobs.
Along with Emirates Leisure Retail and SEGAP, a joint venture between airport infrastructure and operations specialists Egis and private equity fund manager AIIM, dnata has signed a concession agreement with Zanzibar’s government to boost the country’s aviation sector.
Under the terms of the agreement, dnata will oversee the operations of Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport's (ZNZ) newly built international terminal (T3), with SEGAP supporting the Zanzibar Airports Authority (ZAA) in a management capacity. Emirates Leisure Retail will partner with MMI as master concessionaire for all food and beverage, duty free and commercial outlets at T3.
Steve Allen, executive vice president of dnata and chairman of Emirates Leisure Retail and MMI, said: "We are thrilled to expand our global footprint into Africa and establish operations at Zanzibar’s international airport. We are confident that our investment in the local aviation industry will stimulate tourism and trade, delivering significant benefits for Zanzibar businesses and the local community.”
Dnata will also invest in a state-of-the-art cargo centre to establish cargo operations at the airport, supporting local trade and businesses. The facility will ensure efficient and safe handling of a broad range of cargo, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods, live animals, aircraft engines and vehicles.
In addition, dnata will launch meet and greet and lounge services through its airport hospitality brand, marhaba.
