The Gulf Airport Services Association (GASA) convened in Dubai recently, to discuss new ways of supporting airports and airlines in the region, as well as initiatives to streamline the association’s activities and meet new industry challenges.
At the meeting hosted by Dnata Airport Operations, the ground and passenger handling services operator at Dubai International Airport, GASA representatives explored areas for greater co-operation and highlighted the need for staff training in the airport services industry. Equipment and ground handling processes for the new Airbus A380 superjumbo aircraft were also discussed.
Ismail Ali Albanna, Dnata's Executive Vice President and GASA Chairman, said: “The region's airports services industry is ramping up for new challenges ahead as airlines, airports and air traffic continue to expand rapidly. The increased traffic will demand greater efficiency from airport services operators – in terms of infrastructure as well as staff. Through GASA, steps are being taken to facilitate cross fertilization of knowledge and share best practices across the region’s providers of airport services.”
Mr Albanna added that Dnata has been handling the tremendous growth in aircraft and passenger traffic at Dubai Airport by constantly innovating and seeking greater operating efficiencies. In the last financial year, the company handled 22.4 million passengers – 3.3 million more than the year before - and over 186,000 aircraft movements, which represented an increase of 16 per cent. Dnata is currently working to ensure that all ramp and airport services are in place to handle the A380 at Dubai airport when Emirates Airline starts operating the aircraft in 2006. The company received its first A380-compatible aircraft pushback vehicle earlier this year.
Dubai airport will soon be the biggest A380 hub in the world, with 23 gates dedicated to the superjumbo aircraft at the new terminal currently under construction.
