dnata expands in North America

Emirates Group aviation services division dnata has reportedly acquired a US airport ground handling company with plans to launch in the lucrative North American market.

dnata’s Chief Executive Gary Chapman recently said that it has fully acquired US Ground services International, which provides handling services to carriers and cargo operators in 14 cities.

“We also see it as a launching pad for the whole of North America, which means Canada, and potentially Mexico,” Chapman said.

The financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

Dnata reported its most profitable year since it was established in 2015 with revenue and profit up 16 per cent to Dhs 10.6bn and Dhs 1.1bn respectively.

It made a number of acquisitions last year including stakes in operators in Australia, Brazil, The Netherlands and Italy.

Altogether the company has operations across 79 airports globally, including ground handling, cargo, travel and flight catering services.

Its foray into the US market comes despite a dispute between Gulf airlines and their American counterparts.