dnata, one of the world’s largest air services providers, has achieved a significant milestone in its sustainability journey by successfully executing a green turnaround in the United States. dnata ensured a smooth and safe turnaround of a VivaAerobus Airbus A320 aircraft using only zero-emission ramp ground support equipment (GSE) at New York-JFK Airport’s (JFK) Terminal 1.

During the green turnaround, dnata’s skilled team transported baggage with electric baggage tractors to the aircraft and applied electric conveyor belts to offload and load baggage and cargo. dnata’s professionally trained staff pushed the aircraft back from the gate with a Mototok electric, remote controlled towbarless pushback tractor, positioning it ready for taxi and departure.

dnata is the first ground handler to have successfully completed a green aircraft turnaround in the United States.

David Barker, CEO of dnata USA, said: “We are thrilled to achieve this memorable milestone by using only green equipment to deliver a smooth airport experience for passengers, and ensure safe and timely departure of our customer’s flight.

“We constantly invest in infrastructure and equipment to improve operational efficiency and reduce our carbon footprint. We are committed to converting our USA fleet to electric GSE to preserve our environment for future generations. We continue to enhance our operations to deliver the highest possible value for our partners by being an employer of choice and socially responsible in our communities.”

Steve Rowland, Executive Director, Terminal One Group Association (TOGA), said: “TOGA is excited to partner with dnata USA and lead the green initiative at JFK Airport. We will work closely with dnata to reduce our carbon footprint by replacing our existing fleet with environmentally friendly solutions over the next years. This initiative clearly demonstrates our commitment to the environment, we are proud to be the first at New York JFK.”

Juan Carlos Zuazua, CEO of Viva Aerobus, said: “We are delighted to be part of an innovation that puts environmental protection at its core. Undoubtedly, dnata is a world pioneer committed to our planet, and our work with them is a further step as the "greenest" Mexican carrier, since we are the airline with the lowest CO2 emissions per passenger in Mexico and the first one to separate waste for recycling during flights. We are firmly convinced that sustainability should be at the centre of the air sector operations.”

dnata provides a range of ground, passenger, and cargo handling services to more than 60 airlines at 27 airports in the United States. dnata USA‘s customer-oriented team consists of over 3,700 aviation professionals, who assisted over 30 million passengers, ensured the smooth operations of 100,000 flights, and handled 800,000 tons of cargo in 2019.