- Mangoes, strawberries and tomatoes most popular amongst 135,000 tonnes of goods handled annually at Dubai airports
- Advanced temperature-controlled ‘cool dollies’ used to transport goods from aircraft to storage facilities, maintaining integrity of perishable items in extreme heat
- dnata’s cool chain facilities were instrumental in the global handling of Covid-19 vaccines
dnata, a prominent global air and travel services provider, successfully processed an impressive 135,000 tonnes of perishable goods in their state-of-the-art cool chain facilities located in Dubai during the twelve-month period ending on March 31, 2023.
Among the popular imported items that dnata handled in Dubai were an assortment of fruits and vegetables such as mangoes, strawberries, tomatoes, avocadoes, and cherries. These goods primarily originated from various regions including Europe, the Far East, South Asia, and Africa. In addition to imports, dnata also played a significant role in exporting perishable goods from the UAE. Notable exports included substantial shipments of frozen fish to Ethiopia, bread and yogurt to Djibouti, and fresh milk to Somalia.
Best-in-class infrastructure and equipment‘
dnata, a pioneering force in the air and travel services industry, demonstrates its ongoing commitment to excellence through substantial investments in infrastructure and cutting-edge equipment. These investments are aimed at ensuring the efficient and secure handling of perishable goods, especially in the scorching summer temperatures of Dubai, where ambient temperatures can exceed 40°C.
To maintain the highest industry standards for temperature control throughout the cargo handling process, dnata’s advanced facilities comply with all International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines. This includes the utilization of high-tech ‘cool dollies’ designed exclusively for the perishable and pharmaceutical sectors, featuring a closed temperature-controlled system. These innovative dollies ensure the safe transportation of goods to and from the aircraft.
Situated at the Dubai World Central (DWC) hub, dnata’s cool chain facilities boast an impressive array of 22 distinct storage areas. Each area is equipped to cater to a specific temperature range, providing a comprehensive storage solution. Ranging from -20°C deep freeze chambers to refrigeration units and controlled room temperature zones at 25°C, dnata’s facilities accommodate a diverse range of perishable cargo requirements.
Guillaume Crozier, dnata’s Senior Vice President for UAE Cargo & Global Cargo Strategy, emphasized the company’s dedication to strengthening Dubai’s position as a preeminent global cargo hub. Despite the formidable challenges posed by extreme weather conditions, dnata’s world-class facilities, advanced equipment, and collaborative partnerships with industry stakeholders and authorities ensure that every piece of perishable cargo is maintained at its optimal storage temperature throughout the entire transportation process. dnata remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and delivering unparalleled value to its customers worldwide through continuous improvements in processes and technology.
Leading handler of Pharma
dnata, a pivotal player in Dubai’s logistics sector, assumes a crucial role in the secure handling of pharmaceuticals and vaccines. Within its cutting-edge facilities, dnata offers specialized storage solutions for healthcare and life sciences products, encompassing dedicated deep freeze and refrigerated storage areas. Adhering to the Key Performance Indicators established by the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma), dnata ensures the prompt delivery of shipments within two hours of flight arrival.
During the challenging times of the global COVID-19 pandemic, dnata’s Dubai cool chain facilities played an indispensable part in the safe transportation of vaccines worldwide. Over the twelve months leading up to March 31, 2023, dnata successfully managed nearly 8,000 tonnes of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, exemplifying its expertise in handling critical healthcare cargo.
Furthermore, dnata’s cargo facilities at both Dubai World Central (DWC) and Dubai International (DXB) airports have attained certification from IATA’s CEIV Pharma. This esteemed certification underscores dnata’s unwavering commitment to executing the transportation of pharmaceutical products in accordance with the most stringent standards, ensuring the integrity and efficacy of these critical supplies.
Close collaboration with authorities
Following the completion of the offloading process from the aircraft, imported goods undergo a meticulous journey within dnata’s operations. These goods are transported to the dnata warehouse facility utilizing advanced cool dollies, ensuring their temperature integrity is maintained throughout the transit. Upon arrival at the facility, the goods are promptly transferred to temperature-controlled storage areas tailored to their specific requirements.
To ensure adherence to stringent quality, health, and safety standards, the goods undergo thorough inspections by relevant stakeholders, including Dubai Municipality, Ministry of Health, and Customs, as needed. This diligent scrutiny guarantees that the products meet all necessary regulations and maintain optimal quality. Once the inspections are successfully completed, the approved goods are promptly dispatched to the awaiting customers, ensuring efficient and timely delivery. dnata’s commitment to meticulous handling and collaboration with regulatory authorities ensures that only goods of the highest standards reach their intended recipients.
Large-scale shipments
With its strategic location in the heart of global logistics, dnata’s expansive facilities in Dubai serve as a hub for the efficient handling and secure storage of a diverse range of cargo. Collaborating closely with its airline partners, dnata manages products that arrive, transit, or depart from destinations across the globe. From clothing and footwear to vehicles and aircraft engines, dnata’s facilities cater to the varied needs of the cargo industry.
As a leading global air and travel services provider, dnata has been at the forefront since its establishment in 1959. Operating in 38 countries spanning six continents, the company offers a comprehensive range of services including ground handling, cargo, travel, catering, and retail services. In the financial year 2022-23, dnata’s dedicated teams, focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences, successfully handled over 710,000 aircraft turns, facilitated the movement of over 2.7 million tonnes of cargo, uplifted 111.4 million meals, and achieved an impressive total transaction value (TTV) of travel services amounting to US$ 1.9 billion.
dnata’s unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction has solidified its position as a trusted partner in the global air and travel industry. With its extensive range of services and remarkable operational achievements, dnata continues to excel in meeting the evolving needs of its customers while driving the success of global logistics from its strategic base in Dubai.
