Swissport and Azul signed an agreement that covers ramp services, aircraft cleaning, and cargo handling at its hub at Viracopos International Airport (VCP).
The contract is for 8 years and represents a significant expansion in the existing partnership between Azul and Swissport. This one is the leading global provider of airport ground and air cargo handling services. Swissport currently works for Azul in 8 different locations in Brazil.
«We are pleased to take our partnership with Azul to the next level. Swissport has been serving Azul at various airports since the start of its operations in 2008. We are honored to earn their renewed trust and 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 René Pascua, Swissport’s director for Latin America and the Caribbean.
From Viracopos, Azul flies to 66 different destinations throughout Latin America. It also has selected routes to the United States and Portugal. The fleet of approximately 150 units is expected to add another 90 units in the coming years.
While the fleet consists mainly of Airbus, ATR, and Embraer narrow-body aircraft, Azul also operates 13 Airbus wide-body aircraft and has several orders for the A350, in order to create a solid base for the future.
In addition, in Brazil, Swissport serves 17 airlines at 10 different airports, employing approximately 4,300 workers. Services include baggage check-in, ramp management, fueling, aircraft cleaning, and air cargo management.
Prior to the pandemic, the company handled some 36 million passengers and some 28,000 flights nationwide.
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«In 2021, Swissport International AG provided best-in-class airport ground services for some 97 million airline passengers and handled roughly 5.1 million tons of air freight at over 100 cargo warehouses worldwide.»