Azul awards new business to Swissport at its home base

Azul Linhas Aéreas, one of Brazil's leading airlines, has hired Swissport to handle airport ramps, aircraft cleaning, and cargo handling at Viracopos International Airport (VCP).

The 8-year contract represents a significant expansion of Azul's current relationship with Swissport, the world's largest provider of airport ground services and air cargo handling. Azul is now served by Swissport in eight locations in Brazil.

"Swissport has been serving Azul at several airports since the start of their operations in 2008, and we are honored to earn their renewed trust and to serve them at their home base. Swissport is well prepared to support Azul's growth in Brazil and beyond as it adds new aircraft," said Rene Pascua, Head of Latin America and the Caribbean, Swissport.

Azul serves 66 destinations in Latin America as well as selected routes to the United States and Portugal from Viracopos International Airport. The fleet of about 150 planes is likely to grow by another 90 in the next years.

While the majority of the fleet consists of narrow-body Airbus, ATR, and Embraer aircraft, Azul also flies 13 Airbus wide-body aircraft and has additional Airbus A350s on order to accommodate future development.

Swissport employs around 4,300 people in Brazil and services 17 airlines at ten airports. Check-in and gate services, ramp management, fueling, aircraft cleaning, and air cargo handling are all available. Swissport handled around 36 million passengers and 280,000 flights across Brazil prior to the pandemic.