AAV News in Brief 15 October 2026

Dnata expands and modernises UAE ground equipment fleet: Dnata has committed AED 175 million to new ground support equipment (GSE) in the UAE since the start of the year, as it prepares for continued growth across Dubai’s aviation sector. The investment covers more than 340 new assets, spanning fleet renewal and additional capacity. dnata currently operates approximately 2,800 motorised GSE assets across Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC). Much of the programme focuses on equipment with enhanced safety features and technology, alongside increased aircraft pushback and towing capability to strengthen resilience across dnata’s ground handling operations. Safety is a major focus of dnata’s latest fleet investment, with new equipment incorporating features designed to give teams greater visibility and control during aircraft handling. These include aircraft loaders with features that make working at height safer, alongside AI-enabled detection cameras positioned beneath loading platforms. The cameras improve visibility in areas that can otherwise be difficult for operators to monitor, helping identify potential hazards during ground handling activities. CPaT signs new deal with Ghana-based Passion Air: CPaT Global announced it has been awarded a new contract with PassionAir, a domestic airline based in Ghana. CPaT will provide PassionAir with Aircraft Systems training for its DHC-8 Q300 and Q400 fleet. The airline will also utilize CPaT’s General Subjects training library and CPaT Invent, providing its training team with comprehensive courseware and tools to support its training programs. “CPaT is pleased to welcome PassionAir as a new customer and support the continued development of its training programs,” said Capt. Greg Darrow, Vice President of Sales. “We look forward to providing their teams with high-quality training content across their Dash 8 fleet and broader operations.” “We selected CPaT because of the quality and depth of its training content and the flexibility its solutions provide our training team,” said Capt. Sydney Ribeiro, Director of Flight Operations at PassionAir. “This partnership will help us deliver consistent, high-quality training to our crews as we continue to strengthen our operations across Ghana.” AeronautX launches new Amsterdam Training Centre with VistaJet: AeronautX, an AX Aero Group company, announced the launch of a new business aviation pilot training centre in Amsterdam, opening in Q1 2027. The centre, designed for and by business aviation pilots, provides a fresh alternative for operators seeking a personalised and practical approach to training. The purpose-built facility, near the global aviation hub of Schiphol Airport, will initially support training for the Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Challenger 650 aircraft, with additional types planned over time. Tailored to individual and organisational requirements, every element of the training experience – from instructor engagement to facilities and technology – is designed to build pilot proficiency, confidence and operational readiness. Training programmes include Initial Type Rating through base training, Recurrent Training, Type Rating Instructor (TRI) qualification, and a range of operator-specific courses. As part of the launch of the new centre, AeronautX has also entered a strategic partnership with VistaJet, supporting the aviation company’s continued growth in Europe and investment in its expanding Challenger fleet. VistaJet will use the Amsterdam facility to support its own Challenger pilot training requirements, while AeronautX will independently provide simulator access and training programmes to other operators. Air France KLM Martinair Cargo automates perishables centre: Air France KLM Martinair Cargo is expanding and automating its Perishables Centre at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). The investment will increase the facility’s capacity and improve cargo handling while further strengthening its capabilities for temperature-sensitive shipments. To maximise the use of the available building volume and support future cargo growth, the dedicated air cargo business of the Air France KLM Martinair Group is implementing an elevating transfer vehicle (ETV) from Lödige Industries for the automated multilevel storage and retrieval of ULDs and pallets. By automating storage and retrieval processes, the ETV system reduces manual handling, streamlines internal cargo flows and makes efficient use of the available storage capacity. It also supports reliable handling processes for temperature-sensitive shipments within the facility’s dedicated cool areas. “Expanding our temperature-controlled cargo capabilities at Paris-Charles de Gaulle is an important step in strengthening our cold-chain operations. The new automated storage solution will enable us to handle growing volumes more efficiently and further enhance the cargo handling flow for temperature-sensitive shipments at CDG,” says the project team at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo. New airside Corona bar at Wellington Airport: A new Corona-themed bar has opened at Wellington Airport, giving domestic travellers a new place to relax before their flight while taking in one of the best views in Wellington. The Corona Sunset Lounge and Bar is located past domestic security by Gate 14 in the southwest pier. It features abundant natural light and 270-degree views across the runway and Lyall Bay. “This is a fantastic new option for travellers to relax and enjoy a cold drink before their flight, with a view that is uniquely Wellington,” says Wellington Airport’s Commercial General Manager Richard Dalby. “The new Corona bar adds to the range of quality places travellers can eat, drink and shop across the terminal, giving them more choice and another reason to enjoy their time at the airport.” In additional to Corona, the new bar offers a variety of drinks and a range of convenient snack food. The Corona Sunset Lounge and Bar is managed by EVT and marks the fifth terminal food and beverage outlet at Wellington Airport operated by the hospitality company. 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