dnata secures contract extension with Cebu Pacific Airline
GROUND operator Dnata has secured a multi-year extension to its existing cargo handling contracts at Sydney Airport (SYD) and elsewhere in the region with Philippines’ Cebu Pacific Airline (CEB), one of Asia Pacific’s largest low-cost carriers.
The new agreement with CEB also includes cargo, ramp and passenger handling services from a highly specialized team at Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), writes Thelma Etim.
Cebu Pacific, which operates from its hub at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport with other bases at Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Francisco Bangoy International Airport, has established a network of domestic and international services within Asia and the Middle East.
The news comes just days after the Emirates Group promoted Steve Allen, its current divisional senior vice-president of ground handling and cargo operations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to the role of executive vice-president of dnata.
Dirk Goovaerts, regional chief executive for the Asia Pacific region at dnata, points out: “After five years of a successful partnership in Sydney, we are proud to become the ground handler of choice for Cebu Pacific Air at two additional airports in the region.
“These contract wins demonstrate our valued partner’s trust and confidence in our quality services, as well as the dedication and agility of our skilled team. We continue to work hard to consistently provide service excellence to CEB and their customers across the region.”
Michael Ivan Shau, chief operations officer at Cebu Pacific, adds: “As we continue working towards being a world-class airline, we are always on the lookout for transformative opportunities. Last year, we commenced a network-wide review of our supply chain arrangements, including our airport, ground and cargo handling contracts.
“As a result of these recent bids, we are pleased to commit a significant part of CEB’s ground handling business to dnata across the Asia Pacific region. We believe this move to consolidate contracts across the region with a trusted partner will further support our path towards recovery,” Shau insists.
