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Posted by David Sexton
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15 July, 2026
EXPLORING opportunities for trade collaboration is the aim of a memorandum of understanding signed today [15 July] by Avalon Cargo Melbourne and global aviation and travel services provider dnata at a special gathering of selected media and guests.
The agreement seeks to provide a framework for both parties to assess how Avalon Airport’s cargo infrastructure and dnata’s freight handling experience may support future cargo opportunities.
The MoU follows the recent opening of Avalon Cargo’s international cargo facility and reflects a shared interest in exploring, improving supply chain efficiency and creating stronger trade connections for Australian exporters and importers.
Under the MOU, Avalon Cargo and dnata are to work collaboratively to identify opportunities to grow international freight volumes, attract new cargo services and enhance freight handling capability.
Avalon chief executive Ari Suss said the agreement represented another important milestone in Avalon’s long-term strategy.
"This MoU with dnata is an important step in reinforcing Avalon as a major international cargo gateway for Victoria,” Mr Suss said.
“As global supply chains continue to evolve, collaborations like this enable us to connect local exporters with world-class freight expertise and create new opportunities for trade between Australia, the UAE and beyond.
“Together we have an opportunity to explore how Avalon’s infrastructure and dnata’s experience can support future freight growth.”
The dnata business is based in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
Burt Sigsworth, dnata Airport Services Australia managing director, said the company was pleased to sign the MoU “as [Avalon Cargo] continues to expand its international cargo operations”.
“By bringing together Avalon's modern infrastructure and dnata's global freight handling expertise, we have an opportunity to assess how we can support efficient, reliable handling outcomes for customers in the future,” Mr Sigsworth said.
The dnata company is a leading global air and travel services provider. Established in 1959, the company offers quality and safe ground handling, cargo, travel, catering and retail services in more than 30 countries across six continents.
Deputy premier Ben Carroll spoke of the importance to invest in “resilient freight infrastructure and to diversify the way Victorian businesses access international markets”.
“That is exactly what today’s partnership and MOU will achieve,” Mr Carroll told the gathering.
“But it also reflects something else; the importance of Avalon Airport in the story of Australia’s aviation industry. Avalon has continued to evolve, from a successful domestic airport into one of Victoria’s most important gateways.”
Counsellor at the UAE Embassy, Adhra Almansoori said the MOU reflected the "growing confidence in the economic relationship between Australia and the United Arab Emirates and our shared commitment to strengthening trade".
Ms Almansoori said the UAE had "long recognised aviation and logistics as strategic enablers for economic growth".
"The partnership announced today demonstrates how UAE companies continue to invest internationally.
"The relationship between Australia and the United Arab Emirates continues to grow from strength to strength."
