Amadeus has announced an agreement with dnata, one of the world’s largest combined air services providers, to implement Amadeus Altéa Departure Control’s Flight Management solution in their centralised load control offices in Dubai.

The airport ground handler, part of the Emirates group, is now present in 75 airports in 38 countries.

The deal spans all Emirates and flydubai domestic and international flights and over 100 other dnata customer airlines using the system.

Under the agreement, Amadeus will provide dnata, which offers ground handling, cargo, travel and flight catering services, with a fully automated solution for managing the weight and balance of all flights it handles from its CLC in Dubai.

John Jarrell, head of airport IT, Amadeus, commented: “We are extremely pleased to continue our airport journey having signed the world’s fourth largest ground handler. Amadeus is proud to be part of dnata’s successful growth strategy today and into the future.

“We are certain this will only be the beginning of a fruitful relationship as we work closer together with this important customer to offer further enhancements in ground handling.

“This agreement enables us to strengthen our foothold globally, alongside our 50 ground handlers currently using our solutions today.”

This solution is a new generation load control platform designed to enable ground handlers to ensure efficient flight departures and optimise the weight and balance process of all handled flights.

It improves the productivity of load controllers, and enables greater precision in the forecast and analysis of passenger and cargo load.

The system automatically defines optimal load distribution, thereby optimising fuel requirements for airlines and increasing uplift capacity of aircraft.

Jon Conway, divisional senior vice president, airport operations, dnata, said: “Amadeus’ in-depth experience, vast reach and high level of development will help us gain greater efficiencies through the full automation of our weight and balance system.

“Furthermore, Altéa Departure Control’s Flight Management enables us to provide our airline customers with significant fuel savings.

“The system’s community and SaaS elements also allow for greater collaboration with our customers.

“Altea DCS FM is already showing high performance in a centralised load control environment, increasing productivity.”

dnata is considered World’s Leading Air Travel Service Provider by the prestigious World Travel Awards.