dnata Singapore opens new maintenance base at Singapore Changi Airport
dnata Singapore has opened a new maintenance base at Singapore Changi Airport, which was officially inaugurated by Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport, Mr Khaw Boon Wan. The new 6,900 square meter maintenance base is located next to the dnata Cargo Centre within the Changi Airfreight Centre and has the capacity to handle an average of more than 9,000 repairs and maintenance activities annually.
The new maintenance base has many advantages over the current facility, which commenced operations over 36 years ago. The new facility boasts an additional 1,000 square meters of space and is equipped with new equipment and technology that will triple its handling capacity. dnata Singapore’s current fleet of more than 320 motorized and 1,200 non-motorized ground service equipment (GSE) will be serviced at the new maintenance base.
“In an effort to future proof our business, it’s crucial that our infrastructure and support services keep up with the growth of dnata Singapore’s business. To maintain the standards that our customers have come to expect from us, this new maintenance base is important in ensuring that our fleet of GSE runs smoothly and efficiently,” said Mark Edwards, Chief Executive Officer of dnata Singapore. “We need to keep up with increased pressure on our equipment and find innovative and resource-light ways to repair and maintain our GSE, as their use goes up. With this new facility, I believe we can meet the increased demand seamlessly.”
The new maintenance base is planned to accommodate the current volume of maintenance and repair work with space for future expansion, with 66 per cent increase in work pit, 53 per cent increase in repair bays, 50 per cent increase in washing bays spaces. Flow is also an important factor to reduce congestion of GSEs constantly moving in and out of the maintenance base. The maintenance base also has new features such as underground diesel tanks with dispensing pumps, high overhead cranes with bigger capacity to handle all types of equipment, a dumb waiter lift for spare part movement to maximize storage space and increase productivity and a centralized oil dispensing and collecting system. This new technology will increase efficiency of staff working on repairing the equipment to decrease the downtime.
“In our current time, being environmentally responsible is no longer a matter of choice, and it was a clear priority for us when establishing this base, to look at building in as many energy saving measures. As Changi Airport has made its green commitment, we also want to be prepared. To start with, we are introducing fast charging bays for electric tractors, and will soon introduce more green technology and equipment,” added Mark.
The facility’s other green initiatives include - energy saving-LED lights and motion sensors for lights and ventilation. Additionally, the facility has an eco-friendly design which takes into account wind direction – Workshop Entry Bays have been made larger with higher ceilings to accommodate larger equipment types and face the direction where there are significant winds to keep the facility well ventilated and ensure that the equipment are also kept cool. Taking thermal radiation into account, the building windows are southwards facing, avoiding much of the afternoon sun to prevent the building from heating up. Windows are shaded to reduce internal room temperature, and conserve energy and electrical consumption. Higher and wider Vehicle Bay Entrances have been designed to allow more daylight into the workshop, eliminating the need of 24/7 repair bay lighting.
Minister Khaw said, "Changi Airport is a complex organisation with many service partners. While airlines and immigration counters provide direct contact with travellers, many more work behind the scenes to jointly deliver the Changi Experience, such as food caterers, luggage handlers, cleaners and repair mechanics. There are many such unsung heroes and heroines whose services passengers often take for granted. dnata is one such partner.
Among many initiatives, they have been working closely with us to raise productivity and operational efficiency. We are therefore delighted with dnata’s new investment for its ground handling operations. It will enhance the delivery of its services, thus contributing to the Changi Experience."