DHL launches 2023 sustainability challenge for innovators

n DHL, in partnership with Dubai South and EZDubai, has recently announced the launch of its new international innovation challenge, ‘The Fast Forward Challenge: Sustainable Solutions’. The challenge calls for individuals and businesses across four continents to pitch their innovative technologies and solutions aimed at solving global sustainability issues.

The 2023 Fast Forward Challenge’s theme is ‘Sustainable Solutions’, and it is inspired by DHL’s commitment to positively contributing towards the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals and its mission to achieve net-zero logistics by 2050.

“At DHL, we are proud that sustainability is a cornerstone of our business strategy – we are working to reduce our logisticsrelated emissions to zero by 2050,” remarked Amadou Diallo, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding Middle East & Africa (MEA).

The best ideas from the MEA region will be invited to pitch to a panel of industry primes and decision makers at the DHL Innovation Centre in Dubai. The MEA winner will then receive additional mentorship and an opportunity to conduct a proof of concept with DHL.

dnata breaks ground on US$ 14mn cargo warehouse in Erbil, Iraq

n dnata has broken ground on its new, 20,000sqm cargo warehouse which will add significant expansion to its operations at Erbil International Airport (EBL) the capital of Iraq’s Kurdistan province. The facility represents an investment of US$ 14mn and will create up to 50 additional, direct jobs with dnata in Iraq.

The foundation stone for the cargo warehouse, which is scheduled for completion in September 2024, was recently revealed by Jaffar Dawood, Senior Vice President for UAE and Iraq Airport Operations, dnata.

“We stay committed to the Iraqi aviation industry and continue to invest in our operations to contribute to the development of Erbil as a regional cargo hub,” remarked Jaffar.

dnata’s newest cargo facility will be capable of processing 100,000 tonnes of cargo annually, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, and dangerous goods. dnata will also implement its advanced ‘OneCargo’ system within the facility, digitising processes and maximising efficiencies across its cargo operations in Iraq.

The facility will be equipped with the latest technologies, including thermal insulation to reduce the building’s environmental impact by maintaining low carbon dioxide manufacturing emissions and operating costs. dnata’s latest expansion follows the opening of a new, advanced cool chain facility and a bus maintenance facility in 2022 at EBL. The company currently provides ground handling and cargo services to over 25 airlines with a team of over 400 aviation professionals.