Alliance Ground International (AGI) has acquired Airport Terminal Services (ATS) as part of its expansion across North America and into passenger operations.

ATS has over 5,500 employees and offers full-range ground handling services, including passenger, ramp, and cargo handling, aircraft re-fuelling and de-icing, as well as lounge and concierge services. The acquisition means that AGI will now be able to provide a growing offering to the commercial passenger ground handling market.

“AGI is a dedicated cargo handler and freighter ground handler, this opportunity with ATS will allow us to build our presence in the airport terminal and passenger side of the business,” said AGI CEO Jared Azcuy.

Founded in 1975 and based in St Louis, Missouri, ATS operates across the US and Canada. The acquisition, which brings with it 49 locations, helps build on AGI’s global growth strategy, soon to include expansion into Europe and other regions beyond North America, the company said.