Swissport and Azul have signed an agreement that covers ramp services, aircraft cleaning and cargo handling at its hub at Viracopos International Airport (VCP).

The contract is for 8 years and represents a significant expansion of the existing partnership between Azul and Swissport. It is the world’s leading provider of ground and air cargo handling services at airports. Swissport is currently working for Azul at 8 different locations in Brazil.

“We are thrilled to take our partnership with Azul to the next level. Swissport has served Azul at various airports since it began operations in 2008. We are honored to earn their renewed trust and serve them at their home base. Swissport is well prepared to support Azul’s growth in Brazil and beyond by adding new aircraft,” said René Pascua, director of Swissport for Latin America and the Caribbean.

From Viracopos, Azul flies to 66 different destinations across Latin America. It also selected routes to the United States and Portugal. The fleet of around 150 units is expected to add another 90 units in the coming years.

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While the fleet mainly consists of Airbus, ATR and Embraer narrow-body aircraft, Azul also operates 13 Airbus wide-body aircraft and has several orders for the A350, to create a solid foundation for the future.

Additionally, in Brazil, Swissport serves 17 airlines at 10 different airports, employing approximately 4,300 people. Services include baggage check-in, ramp management, fueling, aircraft cleaning and air cargo management.

Before the pandemic, the company handled some 36 million passengers and some 28,000 flights nationwide.

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“In 2021, Swissport International AG provided the best airport ground services to some 97 million air passengers and handled around 5.1 million tonnes of air cargo in more than 100 cargo warehouses worldwide..”