dnata has expanded in the US after launching operations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and now provides ground handling and cargo services at 20 airports in the country.
The handler has invested $8 million in infrastructure and resources at LAX, creating more than 350 local jobs. Serving six airlines, including Austrian Airlines, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines and Qantas, dnata will initially handle 4,600 flights a year.
dnata USA chief executive officer, David Barker said: “Adding Los Angeles International Airport to our growing network underlines our strong commitment to the US market, where we have significantly expanded our operations through massive investments in our facilities and resources in the past two years.
“We see an opportunity to create a step change in service excellence for our customer airlines at this important gateway.”
Lufthansa Group vice president of commercial airport infrastructure, Joerg Mnich added the airline has had a positive service experience with dnata from destinations like Boston, New York-JFK, San Diego and Tampa and is looking forward to “providing first class service” to customers with its handling partner at LAX.
dnata commenced ground handling and cargo operations in the United States by the acquisition of industry players in 2016. Since then, the company has invested more than $35 million in facilities, equipment, training and technology, while constantly expanding its operations in the country.
In 2018 dnata has opened a cool-chain perishable cargo facility at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, established operations at Nashville International Airport, diversified its service portfolio by launching passenger handling services at New York JFK Airport, and most recently commenced services at Concourse G at San Francisco International Airport.
dnata has won over 45 new contracts in the past 12 months, and now serves over 60 airlines in the US. Including LAX dnata’s global ground handling and cargo network now consists of 87 airports in 13 countries.
