Swissport launches cargo operations in Australia

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

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 Asia Pacific, says an official release.

Swissport processed 4.8 million tonnes of cargo in 2022 across a global network of 117 air cargo centres, the release added.

“We are excited to bring our air cargo handling business to Australia,” says Brad Moore, CEO Asia Pacific, 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. 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.”

The addition of air cargo operations in Australia will help strengthen trade routes between Australia and Asia, says the release. "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 gateways to markets across Asia via Vietnam."

Dirk Goovaerts, CEO, Continental Europe, Middle East and Africa & Global Cargo Chair, Swissport says: “The new service at Sydney Airport will add to Swissport’s global network of 117 air cargo centres. 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.”

At the end of June 2023, Swissport, with around 57,000 employees, was active at 294 airports in 44 countries on six continents, the release added.