DNATA partners with ExxonMobil to lead renewable diesel trial at Singapore Changi Airport

Photo: DNATA

Dubai National Air Travel Agency, a leading global air and travel-services provider, and ExxonMobil, a leading energy and petrochemical company, have started a six-month trial to fuel 12 of DNATA’s airside vehicles and generator sets with renewable diesel.

The trial uses Esso Renewable Diesel R20, which is a high-quality fuel with an estimated 15.4 percent lower lifecycle greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions compared to conventional diesel.

Made with a minimum of 20 percent renewable content, R20 can be used in existing diesel engines and is available at selected Esso service stations and through bulk delivery to commercial customers.

DNATA is the first ground handler at Changi Airport to use renewable diesel, with partial funding provided by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore as part of its aviation-sustainability program.

If successful, the trial could be rolled out to 200 airside vehicles and generator sets across DNATA’s ground-handling and cargo operations.

This would mark a further step towards the DNATA Group’s goal of reducing its carbon footprint by 50 percent by 2030 as part of its eight-year strategy.

As a result of its significant investment in electric and hybrid airside vehicles, DNATA Singapore currently operates over 65 such vehicles, with 90 percent of its forklift fleet electrified.

In addition, DNATA Singapore’s facilities have recently installed innovative cooling technology, providing chilled water and air conditioning.

“We are delighted to partner with ExxonMobil for this significant trial,” said Charles Galloway, DNATA’s regional CEO of airport operations in Asia Pacific. “DNATA remains at the forefront of ground-handling services in Singapore, with ongoing investments in cleaner-energy equipment and infrastructure. We look forward to working with ExxonMobil and CAAS to further reduce our carbon footprint throughout this trial, and beyond.”

Mabel Leung, ExxonMobil’s fuel-sales director for Asia Pacific, added, “We are excited to collaborate with DNATA to provide Esso Renewable Diesel R20 in support of DNATA’s sustainability goals. Renewable diesel is an engine-ready GHG emission-reduction solution that leverages our existing supply capabilities to customers. The partnership reflects our ability to offer lower-GHG emission solutions for the transportation sector, in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region.”