Dnata has signed a joint venture with Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Group to establish ground handling and cargo operations at the new Alat International Airport in Baku. It is set to launch with the opening of the new terminal in April 2027, which will be capable of handling more than 500,000 tonnes of cargo per year.
The joint venture will initially focus on cargo and ground handling, before expanding into catering, freight forwarding, de-icing and other services. The aim is to build an integrated one-stop-shop for airlines and airport customers.
The project is expected to generate over 1,000 local jobs, with investment in skills development and training to create long-term opportunities in Azerbaijan’s aviation sector.
Dnata already provides services to Silk Way West in five countries, handling 1,150 flights and 85,000 tonnes of cargo annually.
