Etihad Airways and Swissport have expanded their global partnership from 30 to 40 airports, covering ground handling, cargo and potential airport hospitality services
Etihad, Swissport Expand Partnership to 40 Airports Worldwide
By Lukman OMIKUNLE
The two aviation companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Arabian Travel Market in Abu Dhabi, establishing a broader framework for cooperation as Etihad continues to expand its international network.
The agreement adds 10 airports to Swissport’s existing operations for Etihad and covers locations across Africa, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia.
Beyond ground handling and cargo, the partnership could also be extended to airport hospitality through Swissport’s Aspire brand, which operates 110 airport lounges globally.
The companies said the expanded agreement is intended to provide a long-term framework that can accommodate additional airports and services as Etihad’s network grows.
Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Chief Operations and Guest Officer of Etihad Airways, said the airline’s rapid expansion required consistent service standards across its growing international network.
“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,” he said.
He added that the broader relationship with Swissport would support Etihad’s operational and customer-service objectives as the airline adds more destinations.
“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,” Al Marzouqi said.
Swissport President and Chief Executive Officer, Warwick Brady, described the two companies as a natural fit, pointing to their shared focus on operational standards and customer experience.
“Etihad and Swissport are a natural fit. We share the same ambition for operational excellence and an uncompromising focus on the customer experience,” Brady said.
He said Swissport was prepared to support Etihad’s next phase of growth through its international network, operational expertise and technology capabilities.
“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,” he said.
Brady added that Swissport’s experience in managing complex aviation hubs would help it support Etihad as the airline expands its operations.
“Our track record in managing complex, large aviation hubs will enable us to support Etihad effectively wherever its growth takes it,” he said.
Technology and innovation will also feature prominently in the expanded relationship, with the companies exploring ways to improve operational efficiency, service delivery and the passenger experience.
The partnership will examine the use of automation, artificial intelligence and data-driven insights, including Swissport’s work involving autonomous ground vehicles, to support airport operations.
The companies said the technology initiatives are expected to contribute to safer and more efficient airport operations while also strengthening the workforce and capabilities required to support future growth.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, was established in 2003 and operates from its Abu Dhabi hub, serving passenger and cargo destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America.
Through its codeshare partnerships, the airline’s network extends to hundreds of international destinations.
The latest agreement with Swissport comes as Etihad continues to expand its global footprint, with the enlarged ground handling and cargo partnership providing additional operational support across its international network.
