By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI: dnata, one of the world’s largest air services providers, continues to invest in its operations to ensure a seamless journey for people of determination through the two Dubai airports, Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC).
dnata employs 950 professionally trained staff, operates dedicated facilities and uses state-of-the-art equipment to deliver the best possible airport services for passengers with special needs. Every day, the company’s Special Handling team assists over 4,000 customers by providing help with checking-in baggage, travelling through the terminal, and boarding flights.
Visitors of the AccessAbilities Expo 2019, which is taking place between 5-7 November at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), can learn more about dnata’s offering and innovative initiatives at its dedicated stand (number 6240).
Jaffar Dawood, Senior Vice President of dnata’s UAE airport operations, said: “At dnata we truly believe that air travel is for everyone, and continually invest in infrastructure, equipment and training to ensure a smooth airport experience for people of determination throughout their entire journey, from check-in to baggage delivery.
“We are delighted to showcase our latest initiatives and share our experience and knowledge with our stakeholders at the Accessibilities Expo. With our dedicated team we continue to go the extra mile to provide service excellence to passengers with special needs.”
dnata operates a dedicated lounge in Dubai for passengers who have reduced mobility and need extra assistance. Operating 24 hours a day and located at Terminal 1, the lounge offers buggy access as well as a dedicated screening machine and Arch Metal Detector (AMD) to eliminate the waiting time for customers at regular security screening points. dnata also operates four dedicated waiting areas for passengers of determination; one each at Terminal 1 and Teminal 2, and two at Terminal 3 (Concourse A, B).
dnata is committed to investing in state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the comfort and accessibility of passengers with varying degrees of reduced mobility. The company has recently added five new ambulifts to its ground support equipment fleet and now operates 20 medical highloaders in Dubai, providing smooth and efficient transport to passengers to and from the aircraft.
dnata has also recently launched an innovative moving and handling device, ProMove Slings, in its operations. This light and portable device enables a safe, comfortable and dignified transfer of disabled or incapacitated individuals.
dnata provides regular, comprehensive training to every member of its Special Handling team to ensure they are highly skilled and confident in carrying out their duties. dnata actively partners with relevant organisations and constantly updates its training material to achieve the highest international standards.
In 2018 dnata’s team provided special assistance to over 1.3 million passengers in Dubai.