DNATA further reduces carbon footprint with fleetwide transition to biodiesel in UAE

Dubai National Air Travel Agency, a leading global air- and travel-services provider, announced Sept. 5 a major milestone in its environmental sustainability journey.

All of the company’s nonelectric airside vehicles and ground-support equipment (GSE) are now operating exclusively on a biodiesel blend at its biggest operational hub in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

This significant step, taken in partnership with Dubai Airports and Emirates National Oil Company Group, is projected to cut CO2-equivalent emissions by over 3,500 metric tons annually over the lifecycle of the fuel consumed by DNATA’s fleet.

This is equivalent to over 21 million kilometers driven by an average diesel-powered car.

The initiative has been gradually rolled out across DNATA’s extensive ground-handling and cargo operations at the two Dubai airports, Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum-Dubai World Central (DWC).

It involves a total of 2,500 vehicles, which support the safe and timely operations of over 220,000 flights annually.

DNATA has been already using a blend of biodiesel across its landside fleets at DNATA logistics, City Sightseeing Tours, Arabian Adventures, and Alpha Flight Services in the UAE since last summer.

“Our latest initiative to switch all our nonelectric airside vehicles to biodiesel in Dubai is a big step forward in our decarbonization journey,” said Steve Allen, CEO of DNATA Group. “It demonstrates our dedication to cutting emissions, a core part of our environmental strategy, while maintaining the highest level of quality and safety across our operations. This achievement wouldn’t be possible without the strong collaboration with Dubai Airports and ENOC, who share our commitment to contributing to the UAE government’s net-zero 2050 strategic initiative. We look forward to continuing our partnership to further reduce our environmental footprint and make a positive impact on the aviation industry.”

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, added, “Sustainability in aviation requires everyone to pitch in, and as the airport operator, we’re committed to driving change. Our partnership with DNATA and ENOC to introduce biodiesel highlights how collaboration can lead to real progress. While sector-wide solutions are crucial, airports must also score quick wins on the ground. This shift will benefit all operators of vehicles and equipment operating airside by replacing traditional diesel with a cleaner alternative. Given the significant size of DNATA’s fleet both at DXB and DWC, we know this project is vital for a broader sustainable ground-support equipment strategy, and we’re proud to contribute to reducing DNATA’s emissions and setting a new standard for the aviation industry.”

ENOC Group has provided dedicated biofuel trucks and fuel stations to support DNATA’s transition into biodiesel in Dubai.

DNATA recently reported significant improvements across key environmental-performance metrics for the financial year 2023-2024.

As a result of its consistent approach and initiatives, the company cut the carbon intensity of its operations by over 8 percent, 22 percent and 26 percent across its airport operations, travel and catering businesses, respectively.

All data has been validated by Verifavia, an independent accredited environmental-verification and auditing body.