dnata Catering & Retail is expanding its advanced facility at Melbourne Airport (MEL), reinforcing its position as Australia’s top inflight caterer.
Representing an AUS$ 50 million investment, this development will enhance dnata’s ability to meet the needs of its growing customer base with catering and retail solutions.
The project will add 5,700m² to dnata’s existing facility, increasing its total footprint to over 16,000m². This will make it the largest airline catering centre in Victoria, with the capacity to produce 25 million meals annually. Construction is already underway, with the newly built area scheduled to become operational in September 2026.
“This expansion of our Melbourne facility is an important step in our ongoing growth journey, enabling us to meet the rapidly increasing demand for our quality services,” says Hiranjan Aloysius, dnata Catering & Retail’s Regional CEO for Asia Pacific.
dnata currently serves 20 airline customers with a team of 1,000 highly-trained employees in Melbourne, contributing to the onboard dining experience on over 60,000 flights annually.
“This development is a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between dnata and Melbourne Airport,” says Jai McDermott, Melbourne Airport Chief of Ground Transport, Property and Retail.
“This project, and its interface with airside operations, will streamline dnata’s ways of working here at Melbourne Airport, and will ensure that as Melbourne Airport grows so too will dnata.
“This project will lay the foundation for dnata to accommodate new customers and support the long-term growth of existing airlines, especially as Melbourne Airport embarks on its own expansion to construct a third runway.”
dnata’s expansion in Melbourne reflects its commitment to consistently enhancing its footprint and offering in Australia. The company’s planned AUS$ 80 million investment in infrastructure is expected to create over 300 direct jobs over the next three years, while also generating indirect employment through partnerships with local suppliers. In 2024 alone, dnata has invested more than AUS$ 200 million in products sourced from local Australian suppliers.
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