dnata opens new catering unit in Canberra
From left to right: Hiranjan Aloysius, CEO of dnata Catering Australia; Robin Padgett, Divisional Senior Vice President, International Catering, dnata; Alistair Coe, MLA, Leader of the Canberra Liberals; and Stephen Byron, Managing Director, Canberra Airport, celebrate the opening of the new Canberra facility
Representing an investment of AUD$6.5 million (US$4.7 million), the newest dnata facility in Canberra, Australia, allows the company to meet the increased demand for its services and create capacity for further growth in capital city.
The new Canberra unit has 2,000 square meters of floor space, which is 30% more than the existing location it replaces. The kitchen is built over two levels to maximize space, and includes six chill rooms, a deep freeze, storeroom, and an area for plating meals.
The caterer prepares more than 60,000 inflight meals in Canberra per month, serving commercial airlines to charter airlines carrying VIPs, government officials and military. The new facility will allow dnata to further diversify its customer portfolio by expanding its offering into new markets, said the company.
“Following the successful completion of our acquisition of Qantas’ catering business, we are thrilled to celebrate another significant milestone in Australia,” said Hiranjan Aloysius, CEO of dnata catering Australia, in yesterday’s announcement.“This facility enhances our ability to delight our customers and their customers, accelerates our growth and expands our market offering. It also supports our growth in non-airline markets – from retail supply to large scale food supply opportunities.”
dnata entered the Australian inflight catering market with the acquisition of Alpha Flight Group in 2010. Since then, the company has gradually expanded its operations in the country through further acquisitions and organic growth. In November, dnata completed the acquisition of Qantas Airways’ catering businesses. dnata also operates a airport lounge at Melbourne Airport through its hospitality brand, Marhaba, offering services for passengers of all airlines and travel classes.
dnata caters from 15 facilities in Australia, serving 45 airlines at nine airports with a team of over 3,000 employees.
