Air and travel services provider dnata has committed AED 175 million (about $47.6 million) to new ground support equipment (GSE) in the UAE since the start of the year, as it prepares for continued growth in Dubai’s aviation sector, according to the Government of Dubai Media Office.

The investment covers more than 340 new assets, spanning fleet renewal and additional capacity. dnata currently operates about 2,800 motorised GSE assets across Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC).

Much of the programme focuses on equipment with enhanced safety features and technology, as well as greater aircraft pushback and towing capability, to strengthen the resilience of its ground handling operations.

“Dubai’s aviation sector is entering another major phase of growth,” dnata Group Chief Executive Officer Nabil Sultan Al Murr said, adding that the company was investing with future operations in mind.

Al Murr said ground equipment has long procurement and delivery cycles, so fleet planning must stay several years ahead of demand. He said the company was renewing assets at the right point in their lifecycle, adding capacity where it sees sustained growth and improving resilience in areas critical to aircraft turnaround. He added that this long-term approach becomes more important as DWC takes on a larger role in Dubai’s aviation system.

Safety features

The new equipment includes aircraft loaders with features designed to make work at height safer, the statement said. They also carry AI-enabled detection cameras positioned beneath loading platforms, which are meant to improve visibility in areas that can be difficult for operators to monitor and to help identify potential hazards during ground handling.

dnata is also strengthening its aircraft pushback and towing fleet, which it describes as an essential part of the turnaround process and an area where equipment availability is critical for reliable aircraft movements.

The company said its fleet planning takes into account changing operational requirements, aircraft types and fleet mix.

New technology

dnata is also developing automated aircraft docking systems and using 3D printing to produce selected GSE components. The aim is to improve how dnata operates, maintains and keeps equipment available for service. A selection of these technologies will be showcased at Airport Show 2026.

Global operations

Outside the UAE, dnata operates about 4,700 motorised GSE assets across its global network. It provides ground handling and cargo services at 86 airports worldwide.

In the 2025-26 financial year, its teams handled more than 888,000 aircraft turns and processed 3.2 million tonnes of cargo across the network, the statement said.