Zurich,
January 23, 2008.- Swissport International is very pleased to announce that South African Airways (SAA) ground handling services will now be carried out by renowned ground services provider Swissport South Africa Ltd. An agreement has been concluded today between the two organisations whereby Swissport South Africa will handle SAAs entire airport ramp handling requirements within South Africa. The agreement will take effect from 1 February 2008.
We are delighted that Swissport South Africa has agreed to handle SAA. Between the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), Swissport South Africa and SAA, we will work hard to remedy some of the baggage-related problems that our customers have been experiencing, says Chris Smyth, SAA General Manager Operations. Ultimately, we are confident that Swissport South Africa will succeed in providing a reliable, efficient and quality service to our passengers, says Smyth.
Swissport Cargo Services South Africa remains the Cargo Handling Agent of choice for all carriers at O.R. Tambo, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth Airports and does not form part of the Ramp Handling agreement between SAA and Swissport South Africa.
Swissport South Africa will focus on services for SAA at O.R Tambo, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and East London International Airports. SAA currently operates in excess of 60 000 flights per annum with its current fleet of Airbus A340-600/300/200, A319 and Boeing 737-800 at the above airports.
We are very pleased that SAA has displayed confidence in Swissports ability to provide a world class service. We are looking forward to this agreement leading to a mutually beneficial, lasting relationship with SAA, says President and CEO, Willy Hallauer, Swissport South Africa Pty Ltd.
Swissport International Ltd., which is owned by Ferrovial, a leading European infrastructure and service corporation based in Spain, provides ground services for over 70 million passengers and 3.5 million tonnes of cargo a year on behalf of some 650 client companies. With its workforce of around 30 000 personnel, Swissport is active at 187 airports in 43 countries on five continents, and generated consolidated operating revenue of CHF 1.9 billion (around EUR 1 266 million or USD 1 583 million) last year.
