dnata to invest €25 mn in cargo facility at Milan Malpensa Airport

dnata, a global air and travel services provider, on 11 December announced an investment of €25 million (US$27 million) to develop a cargo facility at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). The new facility, to become operational in September 2027, will be located within the airport's Cargo City area.

According to the press release, the facility will span 10,000 square meters and feature an annual handling capacity of over 100,000 tonnes, the investment will boost Airport Handling's capabilities as Italy's leading ground services provider.

The facility is designed to meet the industry standards for efficiency and safety across all specialised cargo segments, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods, live animals, aircraft engines, and vehicles.

Clive Sauvé-Hopkins, CEO of dnata Airport Operations said, “Europe remains a cornerstone of our global expansion strategy, and this project allows us to build future-ready cargo capacity in a high-potential market. We will continue to invest in advanced infrastructure and technologies to deliver best-in-class services.”

The building will incorporate advanced energy-efficient solutions, including photovoltaic panels for renewable energy generation, superior thermal insulation, and high-efficiency LED lighting.

The design maximises natural light in both warehouse and office spaces, complemented by low-consumption heating and cooling systems. Furthermore, the site will be equipped with infrastructure specifically for low-emission ground operations, aligning with global efforts to decarbonize the aviation logistics sector.

The expansion follows a competitive tender process organised by the SEA Group, the operator of Milan's Linate and Malpensa airports. The development is expected to generate 200 new local jobs, further boosting regional employment in the logistics sector.