Air services provider dnata has announced plans to invest US$100m in green operations across its global network over the next two years.
The latest initiative is part of an ongoing investment in infrastructure, equipment and process improvement. Dnata aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 20% by 2024, and by 50% by 2030.
In recent years dnata has significantly invested in advanced technologies to optimise resources and improve operational efficiency across its facilities. It installed renewable energy features, such as solar panels, heat recovery units and electric vehicle charging points, at its existing facilities in the UK, Singapore and Ireland. The company will also incorporate carbon reduction initiatives in the construction and operation of its recently announced new cargo centres in The Netherlands and Iraq.
Choosing green options is a prime consideration in dnata’s fleet planning, too. It has increased investments in electric and hybrid ramp, ground support (GSE) and forklift equipment, and refurbished existing GSE with new technologies to further decrease emissions and update them to the latest safety and quality standards. dnata is the first ground handler to successfully complete green aircraft turnarounds using only zero-emission GSE in the USA and UAE, the company said.
dnata’s catering team has invested in process improvement to minimise its environmental footprint. It has been working closely with airline customers to analyse consumption trends and use predictive data to optimise the loading of F&B for in-flight catering. Analysis of on-board data not only reduces food waste but also fuel burn associated with carrying excess weight. In addition, where possible dnata catering sources and supplies local produce to reduce the food miles associated with menus.
The company has also taken initiatives across its business units to conserve water consumption and recycle materials, such as paper, plastic, cardboard, wood, glass, metal, used cooking and mineral oils. Earlier this year, dnata committed to reducing its waste to landfill by 20% by 2024.
“We’ve been making great progress on reducing our carbon footprint, minimising waste and reducing energy and water consumption across our operations. We will further increase our investments and efforts in strong cooperation with our partners to achieve our targets and preserve the environment for current and future generations,” said Steve Allen, CEO of dnata Group.
