UAE’s dnata expands global cargo operations by entering Germany

UAE’s dnata expands global cargo operations by entering Germany

Dubai-based air and travel services provider dnata has expended its European operations through the planned acquisition of 100 per cent of the shares of Germany-based Wisskirchen Handling Services (Wisskirchen). The deal is subject to government approval, and would mark dnata’s entry into the German market. Wisskirchen is the exclusive operator of the Cologne Bonn Cargo Centre, a 12,000 sq m facility at Cologne/Bonn Airport (CGN) providing a full range of cargo services via a team of around 180 employees. Wisskirchen handles more than 85,000 tonnes of cargo annually, including general cargo, perishables, pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods, electronics and fast moving consumer goods. CGN is the third-largest airport in Germany in terms of cargo operations. In 2021, cargo handled at CGN increased by 14 per cent over 2020, reportedly a new annual record for the airport. Dnata has executed agreements with the owner of Wisskirchen, Oliver Hellwig, to acquire the shares. The parties agreed not to disclose details of the transaction, with approval yet to be obtained from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action in Germany. Stewart Angus, dnata’s regional CEO for Europe, said: “We are delighted to announce dnata’s first cargo investment in Germany. This is part of