Brussels, Belgium – Aviapartner announced today that it has signed an agreement to hand over Aviapartner Cargo BV, its non-core cargo handling operations at Schiphol airport (Amsterdam), to dnata, a Dubai-based air services provider.
With that transaction, Aviapartner progresses further towards its strategy of focusing on the development of its Passenger Handling activity, while disengaging from its non-core cargo operations. After divesting its cargo activity at CDG (Paris) in 2013 and in Frankfurt in 2014, Aviapartner now hands over its Schiphol cargo warehousing and transport operations to dnata.
Aviapartner will be very attentive to ensure a smooth and successful transition for its current Schiphol cargo customers and staff.
Aviapartner Group will continue to operate and grow its existing Passenger Handling activities at Amsterdam airport, both for commercial airlines and for private aviation.
“This transaction is another step in Aviapartner’s strategy to focus on its Passenger handling activity and grow its footprint in Europe, where the group is serving over 400 airlines and 70 Million passengers every year, at close to 40 airports.” said Laurent Levaux, Aviapartner’s Chairman and CEO.
Aviapartner, a fast-growing European ground handling leader, has recently accelerated its development in passenger handling. Over and above the organic growth, the Group took over the activities of Blue Handling at Amsterdam in 2013, of AMC-MAP at 8 French airports (including over 600 staff) in January 2015, and of Ground care at Rome Fiumicino airport in February 2015. In May 2015, Aviapartner was awarded licenses to provide Handling services for commercial aviation at 7 airports in Spain, and a license for Private aviation services in Malaga.
Completion of the cargo Schiphol transaction is subject to approval by Dutch Competition Authorities, which is expected to be completed by September 2015.
***
About Aviapartner.
Aviapartner Group, headquartered in Brussels, is a leading European Ground Handling services provider employing around 7,000 staff and operating at 38 airports in 7 countries. In 2015, the group will handle 400,000 flights for a turnover close to EUR 400 million.