Swissport has launched air cargo handling operations in Australia, commencing services at Sydney Airport earlier in November.

The expansion into the cargo segment will complement Swissport's successful ground services business and is part of the company's growth strategy in Australia, New Zealand and across the Asia Pacific.

 [Source: Swissport]

In the statement, Swissport International AG, the airport ground services and air cargo handling, said it is complementing its offering in Australia with air cargo handling.

The launch of the new business line at Sydney Airport (SYD) earlier this month is part of Swissport's overall growth strategy in the region, following the acquisition of the Australian airport ground handler Aerocare in 2018.

Swissport has been successfully driving this dual strategy across a global network of 117 air cargo centres with 4.8 million tons of processed cargo in 2022. 

"We are excited to bring our air cargo handling business to Australia," said Brad Moore, regional CEO of Asia Pacific at Swissport International.

"Our experience and expertise in air cargo handling will allow us to provide airlines with safe, ultra-fast processing and high-quality cargo logistics."

Moore added that services will include cargo acceptance, screening and documentation, build-up and breakdown of pallets, container handling, loading and unloading of aircraft as well as short-term warehouses as needed by our domestic and international airline customers.

Boost to Australia-Asia connections

Swissport noted that the addition of air cargo operations in Australia will help strengthen trade routes between Australia and Asia.

Swissport's first cargo customers in Australia - VietJet and Batik Air – will now be able to expedite imports to and exports from Australia via their Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) gateways to markets across Asia via Vietnam. 

"The new service at Sydney Airport will add to Swissport's global network of currently 117 air cargo centres," said Dirk Goovaerts, Swissport's regional CEO for Continental Europe, Middle East, and Africa & Global Cargo Chair.

He added that digital tools and modern equipment, including gate and slot management systems and self-service cargo kiosks, enable Swissport to add customer value and continuously enhance operational efficiency in air cargo handling.

In Australia, Swissport has been offering airport ground services to 23 domestic and international airline customers at 24 airports.