dnata at Manchester Airport
dnata, one of the UK’s leading air services providers, has taken a bold step towards futureproofing its ramp operations at Manchester Airport.
In collaboration with Fronius UK, dnata has installed a state-of-the-art electric baggage tug (EBT) and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, marking a major milestone in its journey towards sustainability and operational excellence.
With over 17,500 aircraft turnarounds annually across Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester, dnata’s ramp operations are fast-paced and highly coordinated. At Manchester alone, a fleet of 28 EBTs operates from early morning until midnight, supported by 120 ramp professionals.
Previously, just nine chargers served the entire fleet - posing a challenge to efficiency and growth. The new installation has transformed this landscape, ensuring every vehicle is charged and ready to go.
The project introduced two dedicated charging zones. The main area features 22 Fronius Selectiva 4.0 chargers, while a secondary zone includes two additional Fronius Selectiva 4.0 chargers and two Fronius Wattpilot EV chargers.
It is a transformation for the area. The operational benefits are brilliant as we can now charge all our kit in one area.
All units are housed in robust,weatherproof IP-rated cases,with safety barriers and racking for secure and efficient use. LED indicators on each charger provide clear visual feedback - green for fully charged, yellow for charging, and blue for optimal readiness - ensuring visibility in all conditions.
This new airside hub consolidates charging and operations into a single, streamlined location.
With only a 3–4 hour daily window to recharge the fleet,the expanded infrastructure maximises uptime and minimises disruption. Ramp agents now benefit from a more accessible and organised charging environment, improving workflow and reducing stress during busy shifts.
Fronius’ Charge & Connect digital monitoring system and Tag ID battery sensors offer intelligent fleet management.
These tools allow dnata to monitor battery health in real time, plan maintenance proactively, and optimisere placement budgeting. This means fewer breakdowns, less downtime, and a more reliable fleet.
With Charge & Connect, it means I can monitor the health of the batteries and forward plan which means less downtime for the vehicles.
The project was delivered in carefully planned phases, with charger installation followed by electrical and data infrastructure to ensure seamless integration.
The site, previously a blank canvas, was brought to life with power, connectivity, and cutting-edge technology—coordinated by Turner & Townsend Infrastructure Ltd and Fronius UK. The collaboration between all teams ensured smooth delivery with minimal disruption to dnata’s busy schedule.
Environmental benefits are also impressive. Thanks to Fronius’ intelligent charging curves, water usage for battery maintenance has dropped dramatically - from 10 litres per battery per week to just 2 litres, with some weeks requiring none at all. This not only reduces environmental impact but also simplifies maintenance routines for the ramp team.
As dnata continues to expand its electric fleet, this scalable, future-ready charging infrastructure supports its long-term sustainability goals and commitment to innovation.
The partnership with Fronius UK has delivered a solution that’s not only practical and efficient but also forward-thinking and environmentally responsible.
Customer Information
| Company Name | dnata Ltd |
| Location | Manchester Airport, United Kingdom |
| Sector | Ground Service Equipment |
| Fronius Portfolio |
Fronius Selectiva 4.0 Fronius TagID Fronius Charge & Connect Fronius Wattpilot |
