The operators of the Go-Ahead Group have decided to sell cargo operations at Manchester airport to the investment arm of Dubai government for £15m. Go-Ahead Group's cargo division- Plane Handling Ltd-has also operations at the Heathrow Airport.

The buyer, Middle Eastern travel group Dnata is responsible for handling ground operations and passengers at Dubai International Airport and the operator of the Dubai air cargo terminal. The Investment Corporation of Dubai controls Dnata besides controlling the operation of the Emirates Airline.

Dubai based Dnata, operating in seven countries, has also brought ground handling operations at Heathrow under the deal while France based ground handler Servisair is managing operations at
11 other airports including Birmingham International, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Luton, Southampton, Aberdeen, Belfast International, Belfast Harbour and Stansted.

Expressing pleasure over the deal, Keith Ludeman, Group Chief Executive of Newcastle-based Go-Ahead, said, "We will be spending the next two months working closely with Dnata, Servisair and our customers and employees to maintain a high quality of service and ensure a smooth transition at the end of January."