Global air and travel services provider dnata has become the first ground handler in Europe to receive the IATA environmental management certification in recognition of its sustainability initiatives.
IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) is a certification programme developed to independently assess the commitment of aviation stakeholders such as airlines, airports, cargo handling facilities, freight forwarders, and ramp handlers, to continuously improve their environmental and sustainability performance.
Trade association IATA carried out an evaluation of dnata’s sustainability practices and efforts across its extensive operations at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS).
Jan van Anrooy, managing director, dnata Netherlands, said: “We are proud to be the first ground handler to earn the prestigious IEnvA certification in Europe. This accomplishment reflects our team’s dedication to environmental efficiency and our consistent efforts to contribute to dnata’s global decarbonisation journey. We will continue investing in infrastructure, equipment and process improvement to further reduce our environmental footprint.”
Rafael Schvartzman, regional vice president Europe, IATA, said: “We congratulate dnata Netherlands on becoming the first ground and cargo handler in Europe to achieve full IEnvA registration. This significant milestone demonstrates dnata Schiphol’s commitment to sustainable aviation and environmental excellence. By adhering to global environmental standards and best practices, dnata Schiphol is setting a strong example for the industry. We look forward to working together to further advance sustainable aviation practices.
In recent years, dnata Netherlands has significantly invested in the electrification of its ground handling fleet to reduce emissions. Currently, more than 70% of its ground support equipment fleet is powered by electricity or solar energy, with the remainder operating on 100% Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO100) biofuel.
The handler’s newest facility, dnata Cargo City Amsterdam, was also designed with a focus on sustainability. Scheduled to open in 2025, the facility will be equipped with solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations and air source heat pumps. The cargo centre will also be BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) certified.
At AMS, dnata is a major provider of ground and cargo handling services. It serves 37 airlines with a team of 1,000 dedicated aviation professionals, who handle 10,000 flights and move 550,000 tonnes of cargo annually.
For the financial year 2023-24, dnata cut the carbon intensity of its global operations by over 8%, 22% and 26% across its airport operations, travel and catering businesses, respectively. The company said that all data has been validated by Verifavia, an independent accredited environmental verification and auditing body.
In addition to the Netherlands, dnata also earned IEnvA certification for its portfolio of businesses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The ground handler said last month that it had invested $4m in 14 new 180kVA electric ground power units (GPU) at Dubai International airport (DXB) to cut operational emissions.
Additionally, dnata is also actively engaging with biofuel suppliers to reduce emissions. Most recently, it has transitioned its entire non-electric fleet to biodiesel at DXB and Al Maktoum – Dubai World Central (DWC).
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