Press Release: Mallaghan and dnata announce electric catering truck trial

Global ground support equipment (GSE) manufacturer Mallaghan has reinforced its position at the forefront of innovation and sustainability through a successful collaboration with dnata Catering & Retail (dC&R). 

The two companies have worked closely to develop and trial an electric catering truck for use in airports, marking a significant step towards the decarbonisation of ground handling activities.

Following a successful trial in Prague, the vehicle has proven its ability to deliver a high-performance, zero-emission service while maintaining operational efficiency and safety. 

Over the course of 60 days, the truck covered 730km, served 230 flights, and operated for 147 hours, demonstrating its reliability even in low temperatures averaging 1.6°C.

Robin Padgett, CEO of dnata Catering & Retail, a leading global inflight hospitality provider, said: “This successful trial is a clear reflection of our commitment to sustainability and innovation.

“We’re consistently investing in infrastructure and equipment to enhance environmental efficiency across our global operations. Initiatives such as our collaboration with Mallaghan are helping us scale practical solutions as we transform our fleet. We’ll continue working closely with our partners to make a real difference.” 

Ronan Mallaghan, CEO of Mallaghan, said: “By working in partnership with dC&R, we are not only advancing our technology but also setting new benchmarks for safety, performance and operational excellence in airport ground handling.

“The overwhelmingly positive feedback from airline partners and ground staff has further reinforced the success of this trial. At Mallaghan, we remain committed to delivering cutting-edge, sustainable solutions and look forward to continuing our work with dnata to drive further advancements in the industry.”

Mallaghan has a long history of driving positive change in airport ground operations. With a global client base, that includes many of the leading airlines, catering companies and ground handler providers, the company is dedicated to developing advanced equipment that improves operational performance and supports the evolving needs of the aviation industry.

Mallaghan and dC&R’s collaboration builds on a five-year Master Service Agreement signed in May 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre Airport Show for a large supply of new advanced airline catering trucks for their Global operations.

Their dedicated Innovation Working Group, which meets biannually, continues to explore next-generation GSE solutions to enhance sustainability, develop AI/Autonomous technology and efficiency across global airport operations.

About Mallaghan:

• Mallaghan Engineering was founded by Terry Mallaghan in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland in the 1960s as a Civil Engineering contractor and branched into GSE products in 1990.
• The company’s ever-expanding global network of customers includes airlines, airports and ground handling companies
• Mallaghan products are currently sold in more than 100 countries across the world with aviation clients such as Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Gategourmet, Swissport, Southwest Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ryanair, LSG, Menzies and dnata.
• The complete Mallaghan product range conforms to all IATA regulations and EC Directives
• The company is also ISO 9001:2015 certified and places a keen emphasis on complying to all external regulatory bodies associated with the manufacture of GSE products

About dnata Catering & Retail:

dnata’s catering and retail division is one of the world’s leading inflight hospitality providers. The company’s 10,500 catering professionals produce over 110 million meals annually, serving full service, low-cost and VIP carriers from more than 60 locations. For more information, visit www.dnata.com/en/catering. 

Featured image credited to Mallaghan and dnata

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