Swissport has announced a new partnership with Saudia Cargo to become the airline’s ground handling agent at Nairobi Airport. The Swiss-based ground services provider will manage all aspects of ground support, from cargo handling to loading and unloading, with specialized care for temperature-sensitive goods.
Saudia Cargo currently operates eight weekly flights to Nairobi Airport. This includes four Boeing 747-400 freighter flights and four passenger flights using Airbus A330 aircraft.
Mohanned Badri, vice president of operations at Saudia Cargo, highlighted the importance of the partnership: “Our strategic collaboration with Swissport is designed to streamline the ground-handling processes, thus minimizing transit times and ensuring that goods reach their destinations in optimal condition. Swissport brings a wealth of experience and expertise that will play a crucial role in our operations at Nairobi Airport.”
Racheal Ndegwa, chief executive of Swissport Nairobi, also expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Saudia Cargo at Nairobi Airport. Our expertise in handling temperature-sensitive goods and our innovative flower corridor project will ensure seamless and efficient logistics solutions for Saudia Cargo.”
Swissport’s latest agreement follows its recent expansion in air cargo handling. Last month, the company began providing services for Qatar Airways’ weekly freighter flights between Vienna International Airport and Hamad International Airport. Additionally, Swissport secured a seven-year license to offer ground handling services at Frankfurt Airport, set to begin in February 2025.