dnata has launched a new centralised screening control room at its cargo facility at Dubai International Airport, marking a significant step in the digital transformation of air cargo operations. The initiative has been developed in partnership with Dubai Police and combines real-time automation with enhanced security oversight.
From a single command centre, Dubai Police officers can now remotely operate and monitor six X-ray screening machines across dnata’s cargo warehouse. Each system is connected to One Cargo, dnata’s digital cargo management platform, enabling real-time data sharing, automated workflows, and faster operational decision-making.
“This project is a milestone in dnata’s journey towards smarter, more efficient cargo handling,” said Guillaume Crozier, Chief Cargo Officer at dnata. “Through close collaboration with Dubai Police, we’ve introduced a model that strengthens security, boosts efficiency, and reflects Dubai’s commitment to innovation.”
Previously, screening activities were distributed across multiple warehouse locations, increasing resource requirements and limiting efficiency. The new centralised approach consolidates screening operations into a single hub, reducing processing time and improving overall throughput by approximately 3 per cent annually.
dnata currently serves more than 120 airline customers and handles an average of 60,000 tonnes of cargo each month at its DXB facility. Earlier this year, the company reported processing more than 1 million tonnes of cargo between April 2024 and March 2025 across its DXB and DWC operations — the highest annual volume in its history — representing year-on-year growth of around 30 per cent.
The company said the growth reflects broader trends shaping Dubai’s logistics sector, including rising e-commerce demand, population growth, and the emirate’s role as a global transit hub.
The new screening system also reduces manual handling, enables advanced analytics, and helps optimise resource utilisation. By limiting unnecessary cargo movement within the warehouse, the system contributes to improved operational efficiency and reduced fuel consumption.
Designed jointly by dnata and Dubai Police, the control room supports both primary and secondary command functions. It features advanced monitoring interfaces, live imaging, and automated reporting tools to ensure traceability throughout the screening process.
“Dubai’s success as a global hub comes from a shared commitment between public and private partners,” Crozier added. “This collaboration with Dubai Police reflects that spirit – leveraging technology and trust to create a strong cargo ecosystem that keeps the city’s trade moving efficiently.”
The control room forms part of dnata’s broader innovation agenda, which focuses on integrating data, automation, and design-led thinking across its cargo operations. Initiatives under evaluation include autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to reduce forklift movements and improve warehouse safety, as well as automated dimensioning and load-optimisation tools that use sensors and algorithms to capture precise shipment data.
“Behind every piece of technology we adopt are the people who make it work,” said Crozier. “Our teams on the ground are the driving force behind this transformation – using new tools to move cargo more securely and intelligently than ever before.”
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