Dnata rebrands Plane Handling as part of its global growth

The dnata team held events near London Heathrow yesterday and today to update employees, suppliers and customers on the company’s global re-branding
 
“The UK is a very important market for dnata, and one in which we have expanded considerably in recent years,” said Gary Chapman, president of dnata. “Plane Handling is an integral part of that and, as a highly reputed ground handler, is a perfect fit within our organisation.”
 
dnata’s influence has been visible from the start, since the acquisition of Plane Handling, dnata has invested around £5 million in new push back tugs, high loaders and pallet carrier trucks for the operations.
 
“Becoming part of the dnata family has opened up a wealth of new opportunities for Plane Handling,” said Robert Williams,managing director of Plane Handling. “Not only are they bringing considerable investment to our business, but their expertise and understanding of our industry is invaluable. Assuming the dnata identity is the logical next step, and enables us to benefit from being a truly integrated part of a respected global air services provider.”
 
As part of the increased integration into the dnata team, Plane Handling’s employees are actively involved in the design of new dnata uniforms, which will be worn by their staff when they’re introduced next year. They are also part of an exchange programme for high-performing dnata employees worldwide. Several Plane Handling employees were stationed in Erbil in Iraq earlier this year to help dnata establish airport operations there, and more staff will have the chance to take part in the scheme going forward.
 
Plane Handling employs over 1,800 people at locations at London Heathrow and Manchester Airports, providing cargo, ramp and passenger handling services to over 30 airlines including Virgin Atlantic Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Air New Zealand and Etihad Airways.
 
dnata’s brand realignment comes during one of the most successful periods in its 52 year history, as the company has transitioned from regional to global status. Over the past six years, the organisation has quadrupled in size and now has a global footprint across 73 airports, in 38 countries across five continents.
 
Despite the recent global economic downturn, dnata continues to expand. The recent acquisition of Alpha Flight Limited, which provides flight catering and retail services for over 100 airlines worldwide, catapulted the company’s international flight catering business to its current position providing catering to airline customers at 62 airports in 12 countries.  Further expansion is also planned, including the launch of a corporate travel service in India, capturing the essence of the company as a global player.
 
The series of events to celebrate the new brand implementation will continue in the coming months at dnata office locations across the globe including Singapore and the Philippines.