Etihad Airways and Swissport have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Arabian Travel Market to expand their global partnership, increasing the number of airports served by Swissport from 30 to 40. The agreement extends Swissport’s support across Africa, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia, adding ten new locations to the airline’s existing ground‑handling and cargo network.
Under the MoU, the two companies will collaborate across ground handling and cargo services, with scope to broaden the relationship into airport hospitality through Swissport’s Aspire lounge brand, which operates 110 lounges worldwide. Both organisations view the MoU as a long‑term framework that will allow additional airports and services to be added as Etihad’s network continues to grow.
Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, chief operations and guest officer at Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad is expanding at pace, and each new destination we add depends on the right standard of service being in place on the ground before the first flight arrives. Working with one partner across 40 airports gives our guests the same experience whether they are departing from Europe, Asia or North America, and gives our operation the consistency it needs to match that expansion. By combining Swissport’s global expertise with Etihad’s ambitious plans, we can enhance efficiency, service quality and the guest experience across our operations, while creating a strong platform for what comes next.”
Warwick Brady, president and chief executive officer at Swissport, said: “Etihad and Swissport are a natural fit. We share the same ambition for operational excellence and an uncompromising focus on the customer experience. Etihad is embarking on an exciting phase of growth, and Swissport is proud to support that journey with our global network, our teams’ operational expertise and our technology capabilities. Our track record in managing complex, large aviation hubs will enable us to support Etihad effectively wherever its growth takes it.”
Technology and innovation will be central to the expanded partnership. Etihad and Swissport will explore opportunities to improve operational efficiency, strengthen service delivery and enhance the guest experience through automation, artificial intelligence and data‑driven processes. This includes Swissport’s work on autonomous ground vehicles, supporting safer and more seamless airport operations while investing in the people and capabilities required to deliver them.
