How Swissport reshaped the ground-handling industry
Overview
Key facts
Sector
Business Services
Headquarters
Switzerland
Investment date
February 2011
Ownership
100%
Exit date
February 2016
Swissport is the global leader in ground-handling and cargo services, with a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Africa. The group provides ramp services (including baggage handling, pushback, de-icing and fuelling), passenger services (such as check-in and boarding) and cargo services to a diverse customer base of more than 650 airlines.
Following more than 10 years of tracking the company and the sector, PAI acquired Swissport in February 2011 on a proprietary basis, leveraging close relationships with its owner, the Spanish construction and infrastructure group Ferrovial. This investment was driven by strong conviction in the long-term outsourcing trend, supported by airport deregulation and airlines increasingly focusing on core activities. PAI’s ambition was to grow Swissport through acquisitions and new contract wins.
