Airport ground services and air cargo handler, Swissport International (Swissport) has signed a binding agreement to acquire Swiftair Maroc, a Casablanca-based cargo handling company operating at Mohammed V International Airport.
The airport is Morocco’s primary air freight hub, handling approximately 95% of the country’s total air cargo volumes.
Swiftair Maroc operates a 3,700 sqm airside warehouse at the airport, including dedicated temperature-controlled infrastructure, with specialist cold rooms for pharmaceutical products and perishable goods.
Swissport said the acquisition supports its strategy to expand its global cargo business and strengthen its capabilities in Morocco, where it already provides ground handling services at 16 airports nationwide.
Warwick Brady, president and chief executive of Swissport, said: “Morocco is a dynamic and fast-growing market with increasing importance in global trade flows. The acquisition of Swiftair Maroc supports our strategy to further expand and accelerate the growth of our global cargo business.
“As a pivotal gateway between Europe, Africa and the Americas, Morocco supports strong export industries such as automotive, aerospace, agriculture and textiles, while also facilitating critical imports. At the same time, this agreement strengthens our cargo capabilities in the region and enhances our ability to support customers with efficient, high-quality logistics solutions.”
Swissport Maroc also operates executive aviation services in Marrakesh, Casablanca and Tangier, and manages 10 airport lounges across nine locations under its Aspire brand. The addition of cargo handling capabilities is described as a natural next step in developing its integrated aviation services offering in the country.
Dirk Goovaerts, chief executive Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa, India and global cargo chair at Swissport, said: “Swiftair Maroc provides a strong platform for expanding our cargo business in Morocco. Combined with our local expertise and global airline partnerships, we see clear opportunities to increase capacity and further strengthen our capabilities in high-value and specialised cargo handling.
“This investment reflects our continued commitment to Morocco and the wider African market, while supporting our strategy to build an integrated aviation services offering across our key markets.”
Salvador Moreno, founder and chief executive of Swiftair, said: “The disposal is part of Swiftair’s strategy to exit non-core activities and further strengthen its leadership in the air cargo market.”
“Swissport is well positioned to support the company’s next phase of development, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration as one of its key customers in the country.”
The closing of the transaction remains subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals.
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