dnata’s Melbourne expansion boosts inflight catering capacity, creating jobs and supporting airline growth.
Emirates Group’s dnata, a global leader in airport and travel services, has announced a significant expansion of its Melbourne facility with a A$50 million investment. This development positions dnata as a dominant inflight caterer in Australia, transforming its Melbourne facility into the largest airline catering centre in Victoria. The expansion reflects dnata’s commitment to innovative catering solutions and its vision of supporting the growing needs of airlines and passengers.
What Was Showcased
dnata’s expansion project will increase its Melbourne facility’s capacity to produce up to 25 million meals annually. The upgrade involves adding 5,700m² to the existing facility, which will grow to a total area exceeding 16,000m². The newly added space is scheduled to become operational by September 2026, further enhancing dnata’s ability to cater to its 20 airline clients in Melbourne.
Unique Aspects of the Collaboration
The project highlights a synergy between dnata and Melbourne Airport to streamline catering operations while supporting the airport’s long-term growth plans. With the facility contributing to over 60,000 annual flights, the investment underscores dnata’s focus on quality and sustainability. Hiranjan Aloysius, Regional CEO for Asia Pacific, emphasized the project’s local impact, saying, “This significant expansion enables us to meet increasing demand while creating jobs and driving growth in associated sectors.”
Quotes from Leaders
Aloysius further added, “We will continue investing in infrastructure, equipment, and our team to deliver outstanding meals and retail offerings that passengers love.” Similarly, Jai McDermott, Chief of Ground Transport, Property, and Retail at Melbourne Airport, noted, “This project lays the foundation for dnata to accommodate new customers and support the long-term growth of existing airlines as Melbourne Airport expands.”
Highlight Pieces and Event Atmosphere
The expanded facility will feature cutting-edge technology and advanced operational workflows, setting a benchmark for inflight catering in the region. In 2024 alone, dnata sourced A$200 million worth of products from local suppliers, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and community engagement. The project will also create over 300 direct jobs over the next three years, bolstering Victoria’s economy.
The announcement’s atmosphere was one of optimism and innovation, showcasing dnata’s ability to evolve with industry demands. Plans to support Melbourne Airport’s upcoming third runway further demonstrate dnata’s dedication to long-term partnerships and growth.
dnata’s A$50 million investment in its Melbourne facility marks a milestone in inflight catering innovation, aligning operational excellence with sustainable practices. This expansion not only positions dnata as a leader in Australia’s aviation industry but also highlights its role in creating jobs and supporting the community. With this project, dnata sets a new standard for inflight dining, demonstrating how design and functionality can seamlessly merge to meet the needs of modern aviation.