dnata Catering & Retail has announced a major expansion of its Melbourne Airport (MEL) facility, reinforcing its position as Australia’s top inflight caterer.
The AUS$ 50 million investment will enhance the company’s ability to deliver innovative catering and retail solutions to meet the increasing demands of its growing clientele.
The expansion will add 5,700m² to dnata's existing operations, bringing its total footprint to over 16,000m². This will make it the largest airline catering center in Victoria, with the capacity to produce 25 million meals annually. Construction is already underway, with the new area set to become operational in September 2026.
Currently, dnata serves 20 airline customers in Melbourne with a dedicated team of 1,000 employees, handling over 60,000 flights each year. The expansion is expected to create new jobs and stimulate growth in the local economy, alongside a continued focus on team training, infrastructure, and equipment upgrades.
Hiranjan Aloysius, Regional CEO for Asia Pacific, noted,
"This significant expansion will help us meet the growing demand for high-quality inflight services and support local communities by generating new employment opportunities."
Melbourne Airport’s Chief of Ground Transport, Property, and Retail, Jai McDermott, highlighted the project as a key milestone in the long-term partnership between dnata and the airport. As Melbourne Airport expands with a new runway, dnata’s increased capacity will support both existing and new airline customers.
This development is part of dnata's broader AUS$ 80 million investment in Australia, which is set to create over 300 direct jobs and further strengthen the company’s footprint in the country.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
