Swissport International Ltd. expands Latin America network with its majority acquisition of InterAirport Services in Costa Rica

Acquisition boosting the company’s Latin America network

2013-04-08 — /travelprnews.com/ — Swissport International Ltd. (Swissport), the world’s leading provider of ground and cargo services to the aviation sector, has completed its majority acquisition of InterAirport Services (IAS) in Costa Rica. The acquisition helps to expand Swissport’s Latin American network of passenger and ramp handling operations.

Costa Rica is an attractive and important market for Swissport within the Latin American region. InterAirport Services handled more than 10,000 flights in 2012 at the two major airports in San Jose (Juan Santamaría International Airport) and Liberia (Daniel Oduber International Airport) and is employing approximately 350 people. With the acquisition of the IAS business Swissport is in the position to increase its network in Latin America as it provides Swissport entry into one of the key markets in the region and will position the ground handling company as the clear-cut market leader.

Swissport has been partnering with IAS through a Trade Mark and Management Services Agreement since 1st February 2010. Since then, Swissport and IAS jointly have successfully grown the customer portfolio by adding some of the most important players in the region and the industry. In addition, IAS has started operations in Costa Rica’s second airport of Liberia and grown the business with several renowned airline customers.

Per H. Utnegaard, Group President & CEO of Swissport International commented: “We are very pleased to conclude the acquisition of IAS in Costa Rica, a country with much economic and political stability that offers tremendous potential to Swissport. This is an excellent addition that perfectly complements our existing activities in Latin America. The acquisition is part of our group growth strategy and does not only solidify our presence in the region, but enables us to further grow and expand in Latin America.”

Swissport International Ltd. provides ground services for around 118 million passengers and 3.5 million tonnes of cargo a year on behalf of some 650 client-companies in the aviation sector. With a workforce of around 40,000 personnel, Swissport is active at 192 stations in 38 countries on five continents, and generates annual consolidated operating revenue of CHF 1.9 billion. www.swissport.com

###