Swissport is the world’s largest provider of airport ground services and a major player in air cargo handling. It delivers the behind-the-scenes work that keeps flights moving, including baggage handling, de-icing, passenger services support, ramp operations, aircraft servicing, and cargo logistics, at hundreds of airports across 44 countries. Its products and services work by offering an integrated suite of ground handling solutions that airport operators and airlines outsource to ensure timely, safe, and efficient turnaround of aircraft and cargo. Swissport differentiates itself through scale, an extensive global network, and a history of mergers and acquisitions that have built a broad, standardized service offering and deep operational expertise across markets. The company’s goal is to be the leading, globally connected provider of ground handling and cargo services, helping airlines run smooth operations and minimize turnaround times even under challenging conditions.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
Acquired
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Zurich, Switzerland
Founded
1997
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Swissport commences new cargo operation at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse. * Swissport is entering the French market with a new cargo operation at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse. * A new 3,000m^2 cargo warehouse will support operations, with a 1,000 m^2 French customs zone and 2,000 m^2 of international handling space for the build-up and breakdown of airline pallets. Swissport is expanding its European presence with the launch of Swissport Cargo Services France at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse. The new 3,000 m^2 cargo warehouse in the French sector marks Swissport's return to the French market and creates a platform for future growth. Swissport, the world's leading provider of airport ground services, air cargo handling and airport hospitality, has launched a new cargo operation in the French sector of EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse. The new warehouse provides 3,000 m^2 of cargo handling space, including a 1,000 m^2 French customs zone and 2,000 m^2 of international handling space for the build-up and breakdown of airline pallets. Initially, Swissport Cargo Services France will focus on airline cargo handling activities. While operating as an independent entity for the French market, the new operation will work closely with Swissport's established Basel cargo operation, benefiting from its expertise and Swissport's global standards in safety, quality and operational excellence. "France is an important aviation market with significant long-term potential for Swissport,"The launch of Swissport Cargo Services France marks a significant step in strengthening its presence in the country. Beyond cargo, Air Cargo Inc. see opportunities to bring its global expertise in airport ground services and hospitality to the French market and to build strong, long-term partnerships with airlines and airports," " said Bruno Stefani, Regional CEO Switzerland, Italy and France at Swissport. "The new operation allows us to build on the strong expertise of our established Basel cargo team while developing a dedicated presence in France," said Andreas Behnke, Head of Cargo Switzerland, Italy and France and Station Manager Basel-Mulhouse at Swissport. "Our focus is on bringing the same commitment to teamwork, safety and operational excellence to our new operation and providing a strong foundation for its future development." The launch strengthens Swissport's European cargo network, which forms part of a global network of more than 120 cargo centers now including the binational airport. Worldwide, Swissport handles over five million tonnes of air freight annually, combining global scale and standardised processes with local operational expertise.
Swissport forms a joint venture with UNEX Aviation Services. Swissport enters Indonesia through a strategic joint venture with UNEX Aviation Services, expanding ground handling and cargo operations across Asia. BySTAT Times | 28 Sept 2026 6:55 AM Swissport International, the global leader in airport ground services and air cargo handling, has signed binding transaction agreements to form a strategic joint venture with Jakarta-based UNEX Aviation Services. The deal marks Swissport's official entry into Indonesia, one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic and rapidly growing aviation markets, while significantly bolstering its operational presence across the wider Asia-Pacific region. Under the terms of the agreement, Swissport will acquire a stake in UNEX Aviation Services, an established ground handling company boasting more than four decades of experience within the Indonesian aviation industry. Founded in 2003 in its current structure, UNEX Aviation Services currently provides comprehensive air cargo warehousing and associated services to both international and domestic airlines operating at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, while holding nationwide ground handling licences. The strategic partnership is designed to leverage Swissport's global scale alongside UNEX's extensive local expertise. Beyond their initial focus on air cargo warehousing, the two companies plan to broaden their service portfolio to encompass ramp handling and passenger services. Furthermore, the joint venture aims to expand operations to additional key airports across the Indonesian archipelago. Warwick Brady, President and CEO of Swissport International, highlighted the strategic rationale behind the expansion, stating: "Indonesia is one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets, with IATA forecasting it to become the fourth-largest globally by 2030. This joint venture is a significant step in our successful strategy to expand our cargo business, while providing a strong platform to strengthen our ground-handling presence in Southeast Asia. With its unique geography spanning thousands of islands and a population of more than 280 million, aviation plays a critical role in connecting people, businesses and trade across Indonesia. We bring extensive expertise in complex hub operations, safety, operational excellence and technology. By combining our global capabilities with UNEX Aviation Services local expertise, we are ready to support the growth of airlines and cargo across Asia. As we execute our plans, we will continue to pursue M&A opportunities in the most dynamic aviation economies creating long-term value for our customers, partners and Swissport." Budiman Tedja, Founder and CEO of UNEX Aviation Services, expressed equal optimism regarding the partnership, noting: "This joint venture is a crucial step forward for UNEX Aviation Services. Swissport's global network, industry expertise and proven track record will help us expand our service offering, strengthen our operational capabilities and support the continued growth of Indonesia's aviation sector. There are significant opportunities to deliver new solutions for our customers and set new benchmarks for aviation services in Indonesia." Indonesia represents a vital growth pillar for regional and international aviation. Spanning over 17,000 islands, the archipelago relies heavily on air transport for domestic connectivity, international trade, and socio-economic integration. In 2024, Indonesia recorded approximately 101 million domestic and international passengers, with air freight volumes reaching roughly one million tonnes. The transaction also builds upon Swissport's established footprint in the Asia-Pacific region, where it operates across key markets including China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. In 2025, Swissport's Asia-Pacific operations successfully handled approximately 25 million passengers, 632,000 flights, and 450,000 tonnes of cargo, supported by a workforce of 10,000 employees. With regional aviation experiencing strong momentum, as shown by an 11.9% increase in intra-Asian international traffic and an 8.4% growth in Asia-Pacific air cargo demand in 2025, this joint venture positions Swissport and UNEX Aviation Services to capitalise on expanding trade flows and passenger movement throughout Southeast Asia. The STAT Trade Times is now on WhatsApp Channels! Join Now!
Swissport takes majority stake in Colombian ground handler GHI. The airport service provider Swissport is expanding into Colombia. As the company announced on Monday, it has signed a binding agreement to acquire a majority stake in Giraldo Hermanos International SAS (GHI). Swissport did not provide any information on the purchase price or the size of the stake. 21.09.2026 02:43 GHI operates in Bogotá and Medellín and offers, among other things, passenger and cargo handling as well as assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. Its customers included Copa Airlines, Air Europa and FedEx. With the acquisition, Swissport gains access to South America's second-largest domestic aviation market. According to its own information, Swissport is already active at 85 airports in 15 countries in Latin America. Colombia is a strategically important growth market, Swissport CEO Warwick Brady is quoted as saying.
Etihad Airways, Swissport sign MoU to expand services to 40 airports. Wed, 16 Sep, 2026 By Anjali Nair S.H, Sr. Desk Reporter * Follow author on Etihad Airways and Swissport, an aviation service provider, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand their global partnership. The agreement will increase the number of airports where Swissport provides services to the UAE national airline from 30 to 40. The MoU was signed at Arabian Travel Market and covers airports across Africa, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia. The expanded arrangement adds 10 locations to the airports where Swissport currently supports Etihad. You may like. Under the agreement, the companies will work together on ground handling and cargo services. The partnership also includes scope to extend cooperation into airport hospitality through Swissport's Aspire brand, which operates 110 airport lounges worldwide. Etihad and Swissport intend to develop the relationship as a long-term partnership, providing a framework to add airports and services as Etihad expands its network. Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Chief Operations and Guest Officer at Etihad Airways, said that the airline's network expansion requires consistent ground services at new destinations. He noted that working with one partner across 40 airports would provide greater consistency in operations and guest services across Europe, Asia, and North America. "By combining Swissport's global expertise with Etihad's ambitious plans, we can enhance efficiency, service quality, and the guest experience across our operations, while creating a strong platform for what comes next," Al Marzouqi added. "Etihad and Swissport are a natural fit. We share the same ambition for operational excellence and an uncompromising focus on the customer experience. Etihad is embarking on an exciting phase of growth, and Swissport is proud to support that journey with our global network, our teams' operational expertise and our technology capabilities. Our track record in managing complex, large aviation hubs will enable us to support Etihad effectively wherever its growth takes it." Technology and innovation will also form part of the expanded cooperation. Etihad and Swissport will explore the use of automation, artificial intelligence, and data-driven insights to improve operational efficiency and service delivery. The companies will also examine technologies such as Swissport's work on autonomous ground vehicles, with the aim of supporting airport operations while developing the workforce and capabilities needed to support the expanded partnership.
Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality to open third lounge at Manchester Airport. Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality (Aspire), Swissport International's airport hospitality brand, has announced the opening of a new lounge at Manchester Airport. Following continued growth in the UK&I market, including new lounges in Liverpool and Birmingham, this latest expansion highlights increasing demand for high-quality pre-flight hospitality. The new lounge is centrally located in the terminal, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy departures area. Featuring 300 seats and designed for all travellers, the lounge combines award-winning service, thoughtfully designed surroundings, and exquisite food and drink in one inviting space. "We're delighted to announce our third lounge at Manchester Airport and second in Terminal 2. With a capacity of over 300, our guests can be assured of world-class, award-winning hospitality and a lounge designed to reflect our almost 40 years of experience in partnership with the airport. With a strong forward pipeline and significant continuous improvement projects to enhance the guest experience, Aspire has real momentum in the UK & Ireland as part of our global investment plan," said James Millett, Director of Lounges UK&I and Global Customer Innovation at Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality. The lounge has been designed with all types of passengers in mind, with spaces for small groups and families to socialise together, places to dine as well as a quiet area and private work rooms for those needing a sanctuary to catch up on emails. The decoration and design evoke a sense of calm and relaxation while wall finishings and artwork are reminiscent of Manchester's industrial heritage and curate a sense of place and connection to the city. "We're pleased to announce this latest opening at Manchester Airport as we continue to build out our lounge portfolio with new and expanded presence across key airports and markets worldwide. This Aspire lounge brings the very best in lounge design and all the amenities that today's modern traveller expects. We're ensuring that our guests' pre-flight experience is time well spent, providing them with the space to unwind, relax, dine and socialise before their departure," said David Collyer, Global Senior Vice President of Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality. Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality, one of the world's leading airport hospitality brands, welcomes around 6.4 million guests annually, including more than 1.2 million guests in the UK&I in 2025. The lounge portfolio includes not only the flagship Aspire Lounges but also partnerships with major airline lounges, alliance lounges, bank and credit card lounges, delivering a world-class experience to travellers around the globe. As of the end of 2025, Swissport operated 93 lounges around the world and continues to invest in premium airport hospitality concepts across key markets. With new openings in 2026, including lounges in Stockholm, Geneva. Calgary, Manchester and Vilnius, Swissport has a confirmed network of 106 lounges.