dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, has announced the addition of 14 new, 180kVA electric ground power units (GPU) to its ground support equipment fleet at Dubai International airport (DXB). This new equipment will handle 33% of all GPU utilisation at the world’s busiest international airport. They will replace diesel-powered equipment, reducing fuel consumption by some 550,000 litres annually.
A GPU is a mobile or stationary device used to provide electrical power to aircraft while they are on the ground. dnata’s first four electric GPUs have already been deployed in its operations, exclusively supporting Emirates Engineering’s services. The remaining 10 units are expected to arrive in November.
dnata’s latest fleet enhancement, which represents a US$ four million investment, is part of its ongoing efforts to enhance environmental efficiency across its operations. The company’s fleet strategy commits to phasing out diesel-powered engines and switching to hybrid, electric, or hydrogen wherever airports have provided the necessary infrastructure.
dnata is also actively engaging with biofuel suppliers to reduce emissions. Most recently, it has transitioned its entire non-electric fleet to biodiesel at the two Dubai airports, DXB and Al Maktoum – Dubai World Central (DWC), highlighted a release.