Dnata's revenue passes US $1 billion mark

Dnata has become the fourth largest air services provider in the world following its international expansion in the 2010/11 financial year.

The company also saw its revenue cross the AED 4 billion mark for the first time in its operating history reaching AED 4.4 billion (US$ 1.2 billion), up 39.4 percent from last year.

The substantial increase in revenue was attributed to increased revenues from airport operations and cargo handling business lines in addition to the acquisition of Alpha Flight Group Ltd in December 2010.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline and Group said: “This year’s record results represent our drive to push the boundaries of aviation, questioning the norms and advocating for open and fair competition. Despite unforeseen challenges in the form of political instability and shocking natural disasters we have managed, through sheer determination, nimbleness and quick thinking, to produce our best ever result”.

During 2010-11 the third largest revenue stream for dnata was catering, jumping 438.3 percent to AED 576 million ($156.9 million) thanks to the acquisition of Alpha.

Although only accounted for since 31st December 2010, Alpha has sent 8.4 million meals into the skies from 61 airports in 11 countries. When Alpha is reported in entirety for the 2011-12 financial year dnata’s revenues are set to double over 2009-10 levels to around AED 6 billion ($ 1.6 billion).

Despite the full year impact of the acquisition of Plane Handling and Alpha, dnata made its second largest profit in its operating history of AED 560 million ($ 152.6 million). dnata operating costs for the 2010-11 financial year were AED 3.9 billion ($ 1.1 billion).

The number of aircraft handled by dnata during the year increased by 21.1 percent to 232,585, with the majority of this growth stemming from international business. Total cargo handled improved by 33.3 percent to 1,494 thousand tonnes.

The company said in a statement its focus for the year had been “strategically expanding its global footprint and increasing brand awareness”.