DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - dnata, a provider of air and travel services in Dubai, has added 14 electric ground power units (GPU) to its fleet at Dubai International Airport (DXB). The 180kVA units will handle around 33% of GPU usage at the airport, replacing diesel-powered equipment and cutting fuel consumption by approximately 550,000 liters annually.
A GPU supplies electrical power to aircraft while they are on the ground. dnata has already deployed four electric GPUs, supporting Emirates Engineering’s operations. The remaining 10 units are expected to be in use by November.
The new equipment is part of a broader $4 million investment to improve environmental efficiency, with dnata aiming to phase out diesel engines and switch to hybrid, electric, or hydrogen power, where the necessary infrastructure is available.
Related: Which part of a flight uses the most fuel?
The company is also working with biofuel suppliers to further reduce emissions. Recently, dnata switched its non-electric ground support fleet to biodiesel at both DXB and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
“Our latest fleet investment underlines our ongoing commitment to using electric equipment wherever the airport’s infrastructure permits," said Jaffar Dawood, dnata’s Senior Vice President for Airport Operations in the UAE and MEA. "It reflects our focus on environmental responsibility and aligns with both customer expectations and the airport’s sustainability efforts. In addition, it improves operational efficiency and reduces maintenance needs.”
Dawood added that dnata will continue collaborating with industry partners to push for infrastructure improvements, with the goal of cutting carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.
