UAE/UK. Dubai-based air services provider dnata has launched a dedicated inflight retail centre of excellence.
The UK-based specialist retail unit will deliver tailor-made onboard retail programmes and innovative solutions for airline customers, supporting them to maximise onboard ancillary revenue and enhance passenger satisfaction, the company said.
The move will align global technology, innovation, strategy and planning, supporting dnata’s existing retail programmes and ensuring world-class delivery, it added.
dnata will provide airline customers with a comprehensive suite of ‘off-the-shelf’ services from product development, digitalised sales channels and technological solutions through to cabin crew engagement, product design and accounting.
dnata said that it has built a flexible engagement approach, with an end-to-end fully outsourced retail programme as its flagship product. A suite of additional managed services options can be delivered as required.
dnata’s dedicated retail function has been established with a team of experienced inflight retail experts from across the company’s markets, with the backing of “world-leading product, systems and services solutions.
The London-based operation will be led by Sales and Managed Services Director Alan Hayes, who currently leads retail for dnata’s UK catering operation and has managed retail programmes for over 15 years for some of Europe’s largest carriers and service providers, including Alpha LSG UK (2014-19), easyJet, Thomson Airways, and First Choice Airways.
dnata catering Divisional Senior Vice President Robin Padgett said: “By bringing our retail skills and experience into a dedicated global retail unit and structure, we are now better placed to deliver award-winning solutions across our network.
“We have seen significant growth with our core retail customers in recent years, particularly in driving pre-order capability and lifting onboard sales performance through reward, recognition and engagement of cabin crew. Our dedicated unit will further enhance our ability to provide best-in-class retail programmes and onboard innovation to our customers.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has seen airlines rapidly explore additional revenue opportunities. We’re working closely with our airline customers to help them maximise ancillary revenue on-board while improving onboard experience and choice for passengers.”
dnata’s existing inflight retail customer base spans airlines all over the world, having launched and now delivering services for leading airlines in the UK, Europe and Asia Pacific. dnata also has En Route International in its stable of brands, a product development, creative design and supply-chain operation, providing bespoke and high-street retail product solutions to airlines across the globe.
dnata’s retail team is backed by dnata catering, one of the world’s leading inflight hospitality providers.
