NUS Aviation’s Airside Tour with Dnata: Awe-inspiring

Early this year, NUS Aviation Club was given a rare opportunity to go on a behind-the-scenes tour with dnata at Changi Airport. This is an account of what went on during the tour.

dnata is one of two ground handlers at Changi Airport. It is in charge of ensuring the safe and secure turning around of aircraft, which includes cleaning the aircraft, loading/offloading baggage and cargo and replenishing it with sumptuous food for passengers to tuck into.

We first started the day touring dnata’s Operations Centre located right on the tarmac. It was interesting to see how technology has aided the aviation industry, in particular remote monitoring of aircraft under dnata’s services. We met up with an operations supervisor, whose main role is to monitor the turnaround progress of each aircraft. Sat facing a multitude of screens, she monitors each aircraft’s ground movements from the moment it touches down till its wheels are up. She told us that morning, a cargo aircraft was taxiing to the runway but had to return to the stand due to a tyre puncture which needed to be fixed. What a pity! This reminded me that in the aviation industry, every day is a unique day and that preparation is key.

We then proceeded to the airside tarmac to watch how dnata employees turn around an aircraft. This was a dream come true to many of our members – given rare ramp access where we literally could “kiss” the aircraft. We watched as the ground handlers unloaded packages off the aircraft, and learnt about the importance of airside safety. We also met up with a young intern who was overseeing the turnaround operations. What a surprise! She explained her role and the opportunities that dnata provided for her. You go girl!

One memorable experience from this segment was being able to have a go at closing the aft cargo door. Here’s me having a go at it.

After literally helping to turn around the aircraft, we were rewarded with a delectable meal at the marhaba Lounge. We met up with the lounge manager who explained the meaning of marhaba (welcome in Arabic), and the operational aspects of the lounge. Our members were then invited to dine in the lounge. It was simply delicious!

This was an experience that I will never forget. It reinforced the reasons why we are aviation lovers, and strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in the aviation industry.

Aviation is a calling, a passion that gets nurtured over time. I hope through these visits, members are exposed to the multiple facets of the aviation industry, and one day call the aviation industry home.