Dnata staff attending to a cargo aircraft

Dnata Cargo, Kanoo and SDV International Logistics, France, have joined forces to create what is anticipated to become one of the UAE’s largest logistics solutions providers.

SDV-UAE LLC will be 49 per cent owned by SDV while Kanoo and Dnata will share equally the remainder of the shareholding.
The new company will be run by a board of directors consisting of: Jean Pierre De Pauw, Dnata; Mishal Kanoo, Kanoo, and  Herbert de St Simon and Tony Stenning (both of SDV).
Gary Chapman, president of Dnata, who signed the agreement on behalf of Dnata, said: “This move is great news for the UAE. SDV is one of the largest global logistics companies with an enviable track record and the fact that they are keen to move into the market in this region is testament to the growth and success of Dubai as a transport hub. Dnata Cargo is delighted to be partnering with such an internationally respected brand and we look forward to working together as SDV-UAE.”
De St Simon, said: “We have been looking at having a permanent presence in Dubai for a few years now. Dubai is one of the biggest transport hubs in the world and it makes every sense for us to be here. Dubai is growing very quickly and is a rapidly emerging market. It was one of the few strong cargo hubs around the world in which we did not have a presence. We already know this market well, having done business here through FreightWorks for the last 12 years and now look forward to being here in partnership with Dnata and Kanoo as SDV-UAE.”
Kanoo said: “Dnata and Kanoo have enjoyed working together for a number of years under the Dubai Express – FreightWorks banner. The formation of SDV-UAE allows us to move onto a new level and we are looking forward to taking our partnership forward into this very promising international dimension.”
Stenning commented that both Dnata and Kanoo were  leaders in their fields and well respected in their areas of operation. Their local expertise together with SDV’s international presence, reputation and experience would ensure that SDV-UAE became a major player in the region’s rapidly expanding market.
Through SDV, SDV-UAE will have exclusive access to a worldwide network of SDV offices and therefore will be well placed to service projects and multinational contracts in this market. The addition of Dubai to SDV’s worldwide network also ensures the company will be better able to take advantage of the largely untapped African market.