dnata used the occasion of World Environment Day on 05JUN24, to showcase what it has been doing to become more sustainable, at the same time urging others to collaborate, particularly infrastructure providers. It disclosed carbon reductions across its operations, along with a 65% drop in sending waste to landfills across the globe: “In the financial year APR23-24*, dnata’s environmental data has been externally verified by Verifavia. dnata’s carbon intensity measured in kilograms of CO₂ equivalent emissions per aircraft turnaround has reduced by 8.4% for its ground handling and cargo businesses. Meanwhile, its carbon intensity measured in grams of CO₂ equivalent emissions compared to revenue for catering and travel businesses has reduced by 26.3% and 22.5%, respectively.”
Those figures were achievable thanks to the company’s ongoing investments in renewable infrastructure, equipment, training and alternative fuel options. Some examples are the use of solar and wind energy to power its businesses in the UK and Ireland, and solar panels across facilities in Pakistan and the Philippines. That green energy is combined with greener ground equipment fleets. The company is phasing out diesel-operated engines and using hybrid, electric, or hydrogen alternatives at those airports capable of providing the required infrastructure. 65% of its fleet is now electric in the Netherlands, 44% in Italy, 40% in the UK, and 39% in Switzerland.
dnata also maximizes the efficiency of its operations to ensure minimal fuel consumption through shortest distances, best routes, optimized shifts and parking slots, and thorough staff training. Technology aids in highlighting further improvement opportunities. Alternative fuel, too: dnata collaborates biofuel suppliers and already replaced some 674,000 liters of standard fuel with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO100) at Schiphol Airport last financial year. Likewise, it powers its landside fleets with biofuel where possible, too.
Steve Allen, CEO of dnata Group, said: “It’s encouraging to see the tangible impact of our global investments and initiatives on our environmental performance. While we keep a laser focus on sustainability in every decision we make, we recognize that achieving meaningful results requires a collective effort and flexible approach from multiple stakeholders. In some cases, the availability of alternative fuels such as electric and biofuels is moving slower than we would like. We will continue to actively engage with our partners to explore and implement practical solutions that enable us to replace energy sources with lower carbon alternatives and minimize waste sent to landfills.”
