Dawood Promoted to Lead Strategy and Operations of dnata’s Ground Handling Business in UAE

dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, announced the promotion of Jaffar Dawood to the position of divisional senior vice president (DSVP) for UAE airport operations.

In his enhanced role, Dawood will lead the strategy and extensive operations of dnata’s ground handling business across the two Dubai airports, Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) in the UAE.

Dawood's responsibilities will include ensuring the company is fully prepared to harness the vast opportunities presented by the future plans for DWC. He will work closely with key industry stakeholders to define the airport of the future, overseeing the development and implementation of innovative processes and technologies.

Dawood will manage a team of more than 20,000 aviation professionals, who serve over 170 airlines and more than 90 million passengers annually.

He will continue to be based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and report to Clive Sauve-Hopkins, CEO of dnata airport operations.

Sauve-Hopkins said: “Jaffar’s promotion reflects his commitment and dedication to innovation and service excellence. His experience and leadership will be of significant benefit as dnata implements the latest technologies to further enhance passenger experience at both Dubai airports.

“In addition to ensuring continued quality and safe ramp and passengers services across our existing operations, he will play a key role in dnata’s successful transition to Al Maktoum International. I wish Jaffar every success in his new role.”

An Emirati national and highly experienced ground handling expert, Dawood started his career with the Emirates Group in 1992. In his most recent role, he oversaw dnata’s ramp and passenger operations across the Middle East and Africa as senior vice president, airport operations – UAE and MEA. His previous positions included VP customer services, VP business support and DVP airside operations.

A trusted partner of over 300 airline customers, dnata provides quality and safe ground handling, cargo, travel, catering and retail services in over 30 countries, across six continents. In the financial year 2023-24, dnata’s customer-oriented teams handled over 778,000 aircraft turns, moved over 2.9 million tonnes of cargo, uplifted 123 million meals, and recorded a total transaction value (TTV) of travel services of US$ 2.4 billion.