dnata will open a dedicated animal handling centre at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport this summer amid “rising demand for high quality animal transport”.
The new 2,380m² facility will form part of the dnata Cargo City Amsterdam complex and is set to “raise the bar” for comfort and care in animal transport in Europe, the company said.
It will be designed to accommodate a wide range of animals including horses.
Jan van Anrooy, managing director of dnata Netherlands, said: “Our new animal handling centre is built entirely around animal wellbeing.
“From calm surroundings to expert care, every detail supports a safe and comfortable journey.
“We’ll continue working closely with our partners to raise the bar for live animal logistics in Amsterdam and beyond.”
dnata said the facility will meet the highest global standards, including IATA’s CEIV Live Animals certification.
dnata said the launch comes amid rising demand for high quality animal transport after nearly 200,000 live animal shipments were recorded globally last year – up 11% compared to 2019.
In Amsterdam alone, the company handled 22,500 separate shipments in 2024.
dnata Cargo City Amsterdam, one of the world’s largest and most advanced facilities of its kind, is set to open later this year July.
The 61,000m² fully automated hub will be capable of processing more than 850,000 tonnes of cargo annually, including pharmaceuticals, perishables, dangerous goods, aircraft engines and vehicles.
The company handles around 550,000 tonnes of cargo annually at Schiphol with a team of over 1,000 professionals.