Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and Swissport, the world’s largest provider of aviation services by revenue, have signed a memorandum of understanding at Arabian Travel Market to expand their global partnership, increasing the number of airports at which Swissport serves the airline from 30 to 40.
The expanded partnership covers airports across Africa, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia, adding 10 new locations to the work Swissport already carries out for the airline.
Under the MoU, the two companies will work together across ground handling and cargo services, with scope to extend the relationship into airport hospitality through Swissport’s Aspire brand, which operates 110 airport lounges worldwide. Both sides intend it as a long-term partnership, giving them a framework to add airports and services as Etihad’s network grows.
Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Chief Operations and Guest Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad is expanding at pace, and each new destination we add depends on the right standard of service being in place on the ground before the first flight arrives. Working with one partner across 40 airports gives our guests the same experience whether they are departing from Europe, Asia or North America, and gives our operation the consistency it needs to match that expansion. 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.”
Warwick Brady, President and Chief Executive Officer, Swissport, said: “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 be important drivers of the expanded partnership as Etihad and Swissport explore opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen service delivery and improve the guest experience. By applying automation, artificial intelligence and data-driven insights, including Swissport’s work on autonomous ground vehicles, the two organisations aim to support safer, smarter and more seamless airport operations, while investing in the people and capabilities that will support it.
