Swissport wins major contract with easyJet for ground services at Geneva

A three-year contract, in some 250 weekly flights and for more than 40 million euro Swissport, one of the world"s leading handling companies, has won the contract for ground services of easyJet at Geneva Airport. As of December 1, 2005, Swissport will handle some 250 weekly flights for the leading European low-cost carrier. In volume terms, this three-year contract represents more than CHF 60 million (over 40 million euro). The conclusion of this agreement means that in future Swissport will perform all ground services (passenger services, ramp, ticketing) on behalf of easyJet at Geneva. Under the agreement, Swissport will incorporate all easyJet handling employees into its own workforce and will also acquire all easyJet assets at Geneva. In recent years easyJet has achieved enormous growth at Geneva Airport, developing Aéroport International de Genève into a continental hub from which it serves 23 destinations. Swissport and the low-cost carrier already have a successful track record working together at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, London-Gatwick, London-Stansted, Hamburg and Basel. Independent and global, present at more than 170 airports in 40 countries In August 2005, Ferrovial reached the acquisition of Swissport, the world"s leading independent handling operator (not associated with any airline or airport), reported CHF 1.3 billion (836 million euro) in revenues in 2004. The company currently operates at more than 180 airports in 41 countries, handling around 70 million passengers and servicing over 650 airlines worldwide. The cargo division handled over three million tonnes of cargo in 2004. Swissport operates in two main lines of business: passenger and ramp services (ground handling) and cargo handling, with a leading position in both. The company also provides other airport services such as fuelling, security, management of ULDs (Unit Load Devices cargo containers for aviation) and  executive aviation services.