Etihad Airways and Swissport have signed a memorandum of understanding to expand their global partnership, increasing the number of airports where Swissport provides services to the UAE airline from 30 to 40.
The expanded agreement covers airports across Africa, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia, adding ten locations to Swissport’s existing operations for Etihad.
The companies will cooperate on ground handling and cargo services, with plans to explore airport hospitality through Swissport’s Aspire lounge brand, which operates 110 lounges worldwide.
Technology and innovation will play a key role in the expanded global partnership, with the companies exploring ways to improve operational efficiency, service delivery and the passenger experience.
The partners will look at automation, artificial intelligence and data-driven solutions, including Swissport’s work on autonomous ground vehicles, to support safer and more efficient airport operations.
The agreement provides a framework for the partners to add airports and services as Etihad expands its network, while developing the people and capabilities needed to support the partnership, the companies said.
