Dnata puts four electric buses into service at Rome Airport
Dnata, an international ground handling services provider, is continuing its investment strategy focused on electrifying its vehicle fleet in Italy. At Rome-Fiumicino Airport, the deployment of four all-electric Cobus VEGA apron buses is scheduled for mid-November. According to the company, Dnata will be the first ground handling provider to implement this new model.
These electric buses have been specifically designed for operation on airport aprons to facilitate the transport of passengers between terminals and aircraft. Dnata states that these buses offer a higher passenger capacity than conventional airport buses. The doors have been redesigned to optimize boarding and disembarking processes, while an improved air-conditioning system has been installed to enhance passenger comfort. The company has chosen not to disclose details regarding battery capacity, range, or charging power.
With these four new additions, the bus fleet at Fiumicino Airport will exceed its current total of 40 vehicles—23 of which are already electric. The primary objective of adding these new vehicles is to optimize apron operations and significantly reduce aircraft turnaround times.
More than 60% of the fleet is already electric.
This acquisition is part of a comprehensive modernization program, for which Dnata has invested over 30 million euros over the last three years, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and leadership within the sector. During this period, more than 550 new units of ground support equipment have been acquired for use at Rome-Fiumicino, Milan-Malpensa, and Milan-Linate airports. The equipment includes passenger buses, baggage tractors, belt loaders, passenger stairs, aircraft loaders, and pushback tractors.
In total, Dnata now has over 1,000 units of motorized ground support equipment across these three Italian airports. Currently, more than 60% of this fleet is electrically powered. In instances where full electrification is not yet operationally feasible, the company is progressively transitioning its diesel-powered machinery to run on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).
According to Dnata, the electrification of its vehicle fleet is closely linked to the development and expansion of airport charging infrastructure. The company is collaborating with the respective airport operators to achieve this goal. In Italy, Dnata employs approximately 5,000 staff members and provides services to more than 60 airlines. Across its three hubs, the company handles over 150,000 flights, 46 million passengers, and nearly 18 million pieces of baggage annually.
