Dnata, an air service provider known for its acquisitions in Europe and the UK, has entered into a long term partnership with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and expects to acquire businesses in the Far East.
Dnata was selected to provide passenger, baggage, de-icing, ramp and cargo handling services to the 42 weekly flights at the Zurich and Geneva Airports.
As part of Emirate Group's ground handling and travel services unit, dnata recorded its most profitable year, with a revenue of AED 10.6 billion, according to a dnata news release.
International business was said to account for over 64 percent of that revenue, which why dnata expects to acquire business in the Far East.
"We are looking at destination leisure management companies in Asia, because we see that as a natural add-on," Gary Chapman, president of dnata, told The National.
Chapman also told The National that dnata will tread lighting in places like India and China because they are "littered with graveyards international ground handlers and caterers who have failed to achieve the goals they expected."
There is also growing interest in expanding business in South America, where dnata acquired RM Ground Services in Brazil in December.
"South America has some challenges at the moment, but these things change, and we thought it was a good time to enter," Chapman told The National.
Dnata has presence in 20 airport in the U.S., notable is a recent purchase of Michigan-based Ground Services International in April, and provides service to 129 airports globally.
