dnata launches Cargo Integrated Command center to support million-ton UAE operation. August 26, 2026 * Enhanced command centre now provides near real-time visibility across dnata's UAE cargo operations, with operational data refreshed every 10 seconds * Integrated operation spans DXB and DWC, handling more than one million tonnes of cargo in the last financial year Dubai, UAE, 26 August 2026: dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, has evolved its existing cargo control centre into a new Cargo Integrated Command Centre (CICC) in Dubai, bringing enhanced technology, operational data and decision-making capabilities together to strengthen the performance of its cargo operations across the UAE. Located at dnata's Dubai International Airport (DXB) hub, the CICC provides teams with a centralised view of cargo operations across DXB and Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International (DWC), enabling them to anticipate operational requirements, coordinate resources and respond quickly to changing conditions. Connecting an operation of significant scale. The CICC oversees an operation that handled more than one million tonnes of cargo, 189,000 flight movements and 46,000 truck movements in the 2025-26 financial year. The facility brings greater visibility across this complex operation, supporting coordination between teams, facilities and activities across both airports. The evolution of the command centre comes as Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a major global cargo and logistics hub. Global air cargo demand reached record levels in 2025, increasing 3.4% year-on-year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Dubai is also investing significantly in the future expansion of DWC, creating additional capacity to support the emirate's long-term aviation and logistics growth. Turning operational data into faster decisions. At the heart of the CICC is dnata's internally developed operational dashboard, which consolidates critical information and refreshes every 10 seconds, giving teams a near real-time view of operations. The centre draws on dnata's core cargo management system, One Cargo, which reflects operational activities and transactions in real time, as well as its Appointment and Dock Management (ADM) system, which provides visibility of truck movements across both airports. It also includes data from Calogi, dnata's cargo community platform, to help teams oversee landside activities and ancillary services, including last-mile delivery. Together, these systems enable the CICC team to monitor activity across dnata's cargo network, identify potential bottlenecks and support coordinated action across facilities and teams. Enhancing operational visibility and coordination. With a comprehensive view of the cargo journey, CICC teams can make faster, better-informed decisions around workload, capacity and resources. This helps maintain the smooth flow of cargo through dnata's facilities and supports a consistently high level of service for airline and freight forwarding customers. Nabil Sultan Al Murr, Group Chief Executive Officer, dnata, said: "Cargo operations involve thousands of interconnected activities every day, making operational visibility essential to maintaining performance at scale. Its enhanced cargo command centre is part of its ambition to continuously evolve its operating model and infrastructure to strengthen Dubai's position as a leading global logistics hub. "The integration of our people, systems and operational data into a single operating environment gives us a stronger foundation to manage increasing complexity and support future growth." Building for the future. The enhanced CICC builds on dnata's continued investment in technology and digitalisation across its Dubai cargo operations. Recent initiatives include the integration of autonomous drones into warehouse inventory processes, delivering more than 99% accuracy in shipment tracking, as well as a centralised cargo screening control room developed with Dubai Police, which enables six X-ray screening machines at DXB to be remotely operated and monitored from a single location. The CICC has been designed with future growth in mind, providing a scalable model that can evolve alongside dnata's expanding cargo operations and support increasing capacity and operational complexity across the UAE.

Airport Show 2026 to spotlight digital transformation and green technologies in aviation. Dubai event will bring together aviation leaders, airport operators and technology providers as airports accelerate investments in automation, sustainability and next-generation infrastructure The event will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 12 to 14 October 2026, bringing together airport authorities, civil aviation leaders, operators, consultants and technology providers from across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA). WAM Text Size: Dubai: Airport Show 2026 will highlight the rapid transformation of the global aviation industry as airports increasingly adopt digital technologies, automation and sustainable solutions to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience. The event will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 12 to 14 October 2026, bringing together airport authorities, civil aviation leaders, operators, consultants and technology providers from across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA). With global passenger traffic forecast to exceed 12 billion travellers by 2030, airports across the region are investing heavily in technologies and infrastructure designed to support future growth and evolving passenger expectations. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the silver jubilee edition of the event is expected to attract more than 7,000 visitors from over 30 countries. The exhibition will focus on key industry trends, including digitalisation, automation, sustainability and next-generation airport infrastructure, while providing a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing and exploring investment opportunities. More than 150 exhibitors and 150 buyers from over 20 countries are expected to participate. A dedicated Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Zone will showcase the latest advancements in sustainable and autonomous airport operations, including electric ground support vehicles, smart systems and efficiency-focused airside technologies. Jaffar Dawood, Divisional Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations at dnata, said the ground handling sector is undergoing a significant transformation driven by technological advancements, changing customer expectations and sustainability goals. He noted that dnata is investing in modernising its operations and preparing for the future requirements of Al Maktoum International Airport. According to Dawood, dnata is deploying 800 new ground support equipment units across 10 countries through an investment of US$110 million, including the gradual replacement of diesel-powered equipment with hybrid and electric alternatives. He added that the company has also begun trials of TractEasy EZTow autonomous baggage tractors in the UAE to improve efficiency and reduce manual processes on airport ramps. Airport Show 2026 will also feature several co-located events, including: * Global Airport Leaders' Forum (GALF) * Airport Security Middle East * Air Traffic Control (ATC) Forum * Women in Aviation (WIA) Middle East Conference The event is expected to serve as a key platform for industry stakeholders seeking insights into the technologies, partnerships and strategies shaping the future of airports across the MEASA region.

Western Sydney International's cargo precinct opens for business. The 24-hour cargo precinct at the new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) is now officially open for business with its inaugural commercial freight flights having taken off today. Stage one of the precinct will be able to cater for eight 747/777 freighters or 16 737/A320 domestic freighters, simultaneously. Qantas Freight, Menzies Aviation, dnata Cargo, dnata Catering & Retail, and Texel Air have signed up to use the precinct, which will eventually have capacity to service up to 1.8m tonnes of air cargo annually. The cargo hub and the capacity and handling abilities it provide marks a major milestone for Australia's producers, manufacturer and supply chains, stressed WSI. Chief executive Simon Hickey said: "Air freight underpins many of NSW's highest-value industries including fresh meat and seafood, pharmaceuticals, agricultural exports, electronics, advanced manufacturing and more. "These industries rely on rapid international connections that can only be serviced by air freight, with our 24-hour Cargo Precinct initially capable of moving about a quarter of a million tonnes of freight per year, which is a massive boost to Sydney's overall air cargo capacity. "This means that a fish caught in Forster can be served fresh at a restaurant in Singapore the next day, or that patients in the Pacific will benefit from access to critical but perishable medicines, while consumers across Sydney will also receive their coveted e-commerce packages more swiftly. "At the same time, our Cargo Precinct and the broader logistics and supply chain industries will create thousands of great new job opportunities for Western Sydney workers, closer to their homes and families." WSI is Australia's first major international greenfield airport in more than 50 years. The airport carried out trial flights earlier in July to test the new precinct ahead of its formal opening. Qantas became one of the first cargo airlines to fly from the hub when one of the airline's freighters departed from the airport on the evening of 27 July. Qantas chief executive of international and freight Cam Wallace said: "It's a historic day for aviation in Australia as our first freight services take off from Western Sydney International Airport. This new terminal will help us meet growing demand for next-day deliveries and move express cargo across Australia and the world. "Western Sydney International is a major piece of infrastructure for this country and we're proud to be opening our new freight terminal, which comes ahead of Jetstar's first passenger services in October and Qantas to follow early next year." In April, cargo handler dnata announced it would invest A$32m in a dedicated cargo facility at the cargo precinct. Burt Sigsworth, managing director, dnata airport operations Australia, said: "Strong air cargo infrastructure is critical to connecting Australian businesses with global markets, and Western Sydney International Airport is set to play an important role in shaping that future. "Our new cargo facility has been designed to provide the capacity, flexibility and operational expertise needed to meet the evolving needs of customers and supply chains. "We are excited to contribute to the development of a world-class cargo hub that will strengthen connectivity, facilitate trade and create new opportunities for businesses across the region and beyond." Texel Air Australasia also recently signed up to operate its air cargo charter services from the hub. Texel Air, founder and chairman John Chisolm said: "For Texel Air, one of the most exciting aspects of Western Sydney International is the freedom that comes with genuine 24-hour operations. "The ability to operate without curfew restrictions creates opportunities that simply do not exist elsewhere in the Sydney market. "In our business, time is often the most valuable commodity. Whether it's express freight, perishable products, live cargo or time-critical charter operations, customers need flexibility and certainty. "A 24-hour cargo airport allows freight to move when it is ready, not when an airport's operating window permits. That means more efficient supply chains, greater reliability and ultimately a better outcome for Australian businesses and consumers." Menzies Aviation's executive vice president of cargo Beau Paine said: "Menzies Aviation provides air cargo and ground services at 15 airports across Australia, and we are proud to be partnering with WSI to help establish the airport as a major gateway. "Our new cargo facility has direct airside access, multiple freighter bays, and the capability to handle pharmaceuticals, perishables, e-commerce shipments, and heavy freight. "Our aim is to strengthen the supply chain and accelerate the movement of goods through MACH, our next-generation cargo management platform, MILE, our e-commerce solution, and a new trucking network connecting our Sydney cargo facilities." The first commercial passenger flight is scheduled to take off from WSI on 25 October.