IATA grants Aviapartner the ISAGO registration

Brussels, January 25th, 2010  - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) awarded Aviapartner the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) certification following the successful completion of a comprehensive audit of its Brussels Head office and 8 stations in its European handling network.

Aviapartner is the first large multi-station European ground handler to obtain the ISAGO certification.

ISAGO offers benefits to airlines, ground handlers, regulatory as well as airport authorities. Among them, safer ground operations, fewer accidents and injuries, elimination of redundant audits, reduced costs, less damage, a uniform audit process and harmonized standards, improved safety oversight, harmonized auditor training and qualifications, improved quality standards, enhanced understanding of high-risk areas within ground operations.

During the last years, the Aviapartner Head Office in Brussels-Zaventem and 8 stations across its network were audited by IATA: Amsterdam (December 2008), Frankfurt (July 2009), Dusseldorf (September 2009), Munich (October 2009), Brussels (October 2009),  Milan-Malpensa (November 2009), Nice (November 2009) and Lyon (December 2009). Amsterdam-Schiphol was the first of these stations to be listed on the ISAGO Registry last week after successful completion of its action plans.

Aviapartner will proudly continue the certification process for its other European stations in 2010.

Laurent Levaux, CEO, said: "We care for safety and security just like we care for our kids. This ISAGO certification demonstrates this and is the ultimate sign of our professionalism. We are determined to continue this process ! ".

Note to editors:

Aviapartner, whose origins date back to 1949, is an independent ground handler with headquarters in Brussels.

AVIAPARTNER, as "Airport Ground Handler", is present in 5 European countries (Belgium, France, , Germany, Italy and the Netherlands) and leader in Ground Handling services for passengers in continental Europe.

The Group employs ~ 6.000 people and achieves a consolidated turnover of more than 350 Mio €, in 24 Handling (passengers) and 11 Cargo stations.

During 2009, the decrease in handling and cargo volumes in the aviation market has affected AVIAPARTNER, but less than the average of industry.

The operational results of the Group in 2009 are positive. Furthermore, the group has strengthened its cash balances and benefits from a net debt free position at the end of 2009.

For further information, please contact:
Rosette Leyssen, Executive Management Assistant
Telephone: +32 (0)2 723 03 83
Email:
Website : http://www.aviapartner.aero