Swissport to Add Cargo Handling Capabilities in Morocco Through Swiftair Maroc Acquisition
(IN SHORT) Swissport International has signed a binding agreement to acquire Swiftair Maroc, a Casablanca-based cargo handling company operating at Mohammed V Airport, Morocco’s main air freight hub. The deal marks Swissport’s entry into Morocco’s cargo market and gives the company access to a 3,700 sqm airside warehouse with temperature-controlled facilities for pharmaceuticals and perishable goods. Swissport said the acquisition supports its strategy to expand its global cargo business and strengthen its position in a fast-growing market that serves as a gateway between Europe, Africa and the Americas. The move builds on Swissport’s existing Moroccan operations, which include ground handling at 16 airports, executive aviation services and Aspire airport lounges. Swiftair said the sale aligns with its strategy to exit non-core activities while maintaining its focus on air cargo services. The transaction remains subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals.
(PRESS RELEASE) ZURICH, Switzerland, 2026-May-21 — /Travel PR News/ — Swissport International has signed a binding agreement to acquire Swiftair Maroc, marking its entry into Morocco’s cargo handling market and expanding its aviation services footprint at one of North Africa’s most important air freight gateways. Swiftair Maroc is based in Casablanca and operates at Mohammed V Airport, Morocco’s main air cargo hub, which handles around 95 percent of the country’s total air freight volumes.
The acquisition will give Swissport access to Swiftair Maroc’s 3,700 sqm airside warehouse at Mohammed V Airport. The facility includes temperature-controlled infrastructure, with dedicated cold rooms designed for pharmaceutical products and perishable goods, strengthening Swissport’s ability to serve customers requiring specialised cargo handling solutions.
Warwick Brady, President and CEO of Swissport International, said Morocco is a fast-growing and dynamic market with increasing significance in global trade flows. He noted that the planned acquisition supports Swissport’s strategy to expand and accelerate the growth of its global cargo business. Brady highlighted Morocco’s position as a key gateway linking Europe, Africa and the Americas, as well as its strong export industries, including automotive, aerospace, agriculture and textiles.
The agreement also supports Swissport’s broader ambition to strengthen its cargo capabilities in the region and provide customers with efficient, high-quality logistics services. With Morocco’s air cargo sector continuing to develop, the acquisition positions Swissport to benefit from rising demand for reliable and specialised freight handling.
Salvador Moreno, Founder and CEO of Swiftair, said Swiftair Maroc had built a successful operation in Morocco and that the transaction forms part of Swiftair’s strategy to exit non-core activities while reinforcing its leadership in the air cargo market. He added that Swissport is well placed to support the Moroccan company’s next stage of growth, while Swiftair expects to continue working with the business as one of its key customers in the country.
Morocco’s air cargo market has expanded steadily, supported by the country’s growing export base and its strategic location between key international trade routes. Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca plays a central role in these flows, connecting Moroccan industries with global markets and supporting time-sensitive supply chains.
The planned acquisition builds on Swissport’s existing operations in Morocco. Swissport Maroc already provides ground handling services at 16 airports across the country, operates executive aviation services in Marrakesh, Casablanca and Tangier, and manages 10 airport lounges in nine locations under the Aspire brand. The addition of cargo handling represents a further step in developing a more integrated aviation services offering in the Moroccan market.
Swissport also sees long-term growth opportunities in Morocco’s aviation and logistics sectors as the country prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Continued investment in infrastructure, rising international connectivity and the expansion of trade-related industries are expected to support further development in the country’s transport and logistics ecosystem.
Dirk Goovaerts, CEO Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa, India and Global Cargo Chair at Swissport, said Swiftair Maroc provides a strong platform for expanding the company’s cargo business in Morocco. He added that Swissport’s local expertise and global airline partnerships create opportunities to increase capacity and strengthen capabilities in high-value and specialised cargo handling.
The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
About Swiftair
Swiftair Group is a leading European provider of outsourced airfreight services, offering ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) solutions, scheduled cargo networks and charter operations across Europe and North Africa. The Group operates under five Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) and manages a network of 77 routes supported by a diversified fleet of 80 aircraft. Swiftair delivers tailored air cargo solutions on behalf of blue-chip customers, including global integrators and leading postal and parcel operators, building long-term strategic partnerships founded on reliability, operational excellence and flexibility.
Group Communications
media@swissport.com
SOURCE: Swissport International AG
