After being awarded the ground handling business of Alitalia – Società Aerea Italiana S.p.A. in extraordinary administration – at Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy, Swissport has started preparations for the transition of operations.
In accordance with the regulatory framework, Swissport is preparing to start the consultation with the trade unions. Following this, Swissport will define the best date for a smooth passage of operations together with Alitalia. Supporting ITA Airways, the new Italian national airline, and all other client airlines with safe, cutting-edge and efficient ground services from day one is the ambition shared by all parties involved. Once the consultation is completed, Swissport will take over the airport ground handling activities and employees shall be transferred from Alitalia to Swissport.
"With demand for air travel rebounding post-COVID, airlines around the world are refocusing on their core-competencies of schedule quality, marketing, digital distribution as well as safe and reliable flight operations," explains Warwick Brady, President & CEO of Swissport International AG. “More and more airlines are turning to Swissport as their preferred service partner, entrusting us to manage even complex home base operations."
With Rome-Fiumicino, Swissport adds a top European business and leisure hub to its growing global network of airports and continues its rapid expansion. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, the company provides 850 airlines on six continents with a full suite of airport ground services and air cargo handling. In Europe, Swissport has been providing full hub management for world-class airlines at their home base, among others, plus at the airports in Zurich (Switzerland), Munich (Germany), and Helsinki (Finland).
“We are delighted to see Swissport expand to Italy and to acquire Alitalia's ground handling business at Rome-Fiumicino airport,” says Marina Bottelli, Swissport’s General Manager Italy. “We look forward to welcoming the first of 1,451 former Alitalia employees. Their professionalism will be the key to success for a reliable operation in Italy and at Swissport we are beyond excited to play our part in a world-class Italian aviation sector.”
