dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, has celebrated the beginning of its operations at Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) with its partners Emirates Leisure Retail and SEGAP, a joint venture between airport infrastructure and operations specialists Egis, and private equity fund manager AIIM (African Infrastructure Investment Managers).
The three firms will collaborate closely to provide airlines and customers with top-notch services at ZNZ’s newly constructed international terminal (T3). The alliance is anticipated to considerably help the government achieve its goal of growing the commerce and tourist industries.
Over $10 million has been invested by dnata, Emirates Leisure Retail, and SEGAP, which has so far resulted in the creation of 500 local jobs at the companies.
At ZNZ, dnata will offer its famous, top-notch ground, passenger, and cargo management services to airlines, assuring the punctual and safe operation of flights as well as a wonderful travel experience for passengers. To further enhance the traveller experience and ensure a seamless transition from check-in to boarding, dnata also introduced meet & greet and lounge services under its airport hospitality brand, marhaba.
As the main concessionaire for all food and beverage, duty-free, and retail establishments at T3, Emirates Leisure Retail has teamed up with MMI. Together with Eight Inc., the companies have developed ZOMA, a cutting-edge and immersive travel experience that aims to give visitors a sense of location and prolong their holiday mood. Each store in the ZOMA Zones draws inspiration from the flavours, sensations, and aromas of the island. To highlight some of the best that Zanzibar has to offer, ELR and MMI painstakingly chose and curated the greatest retailers from the island in addition to these stores.
SEGAP and the Zanzibar Airports Authority (ZAA) engaged in technical cooperation for ten years to manage and run the airports in Zanzibar and Pemba. The consortium will serve as a long-term partner to help establish Zanzibar as a top tourist destination, strengthen airport infrastructure and services, and improve airport performance in all areas (including passenger experience, operation, profitability, etc.). For ZAA, the consortium will serve as a single project team, handling many facets of airport management and operation.
Mr. Steve Allen CEO – dnata
“We’re delighted to celebrate the launch of our airport services and retail offering with our partners at Zanzibar’s new, advanced airport terminal. We are confident that our investment, alongside our commitment to safety, quality and service excellence, will provide a major positive impact on Zanzibar’s transport, tourism and trade industries. This in turn will deliver significant benefits for the local community and businesses. We will continue our efforts to consistently deliver world-class services, earn the trust and loyalty of airline customers and travellers, and be an employer of choice in Zanzibar.”
Dnata has deployed a fleet of more than 120 pieces of ground support equipment at ZNZ in order to set up operations. Additionally, over 340 local talent have been hired and trained. By 2024, the company plans to handle more than 4,000 flights per year with a team of over 400 aviation specialists at the airport. The company will steadily grow its operations and team.
To promote regional trade and enterprises, dnata is also developing in a cutting-edge infrastructure to provide cargo services at the airport. The cargo centre, which is anticipated to be finished in 2024, will adhere to the highest standards set by the industry to ensure the efficient and secure processing of a variety of cargo, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, dangerous items, live animals, aircraft engines, and cars.
