DHL Supply Chain has been selected by SAS Scandinavian Airlines as its ground handling partner at Manchester Airport under a new three-year agreement covering the airline’s operations between the UK, Scandinavia and its wider international network.
As part of the partnership, DHL will support up to five SAS flights each day, delivering a broad range of ground handling services. These include baggage operations, customer services, aircraft loading, dispatch and pushback.
The new operation was mobilised in just 30 days, highlighting DHL’s ability to establish aviation operations at speed while maintaining continuity and operational standards.
At Manchester Airport, DHL is now handling multiple daily SAS services, supporting the airline’s connections between the UK, Scandinavia and destinations beyond the region.
The agreement also reinforces DHL Supply Chain’s position as an aviation services provider at UK airports. The company’s ground handling capabilities are focused on delivering safe, efficient and customer-oriented services to major international airlines.
David Johnson, Interim MD, Healthcare & Specialist Logistics, DHL Supply Chain UKI, said the partnership demonstrated the agility of DHL’s aviation teams.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with SAS at Manchester Airport. Mobilising a new operation in just 30 days required a huge team effort and demonstrates the agility and expertise of our aviation teams,” he said.
“Ground handling plays a critical role in airline performance, and we’re focused on delivering high-quality, safe, reliable and efficient service SAS and its customers expect every day.”
For SAS, Manchester represents an important gateway connecting passengers in the UK with Scandinavia and the airline’s wider international network.
Hans Henrik Spangenberg, MD SAS Ground Handling International, said reliable ground operations are essential to maintaining a consistent travel experience.
“Delivering a reliable travel experience for our customers depends on strong performance across every part of our operation. Manchester is an important gateway for SAS, connecting customers across the UK with Scandinavia and our wider international network,” he said.
“We are pleased to be working with DHL as our ground handling partner at Manchester Airport. Their operational expertise and ability to mobilise within a short timeframe have supported a smooth transition, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration.”
SAS has been Scandinavia’s leading airline since 1946. The carrier operates its global hub at Copenhagen Airport (CPH), alongside hubs in Oslo (OSL) and Stockholm (ARN), with a mission to connect Scandinavia with the rest of the world and the world with Scandinavia.
The airline serves more than 25 million passengers every year and transports 55,000 tonnes of cargo across a network of 135 destinations in Europe, the USA and Asia.
SAS became a member of the SkyTeam alliance in September 2024. Together with its partner airlines, the carrier offers passengers access to a broad international network.
The new Manchester agreement therefore adds another element to SAS’ ground operations while giving DHL a further opportunity to demonstrate its aviation handling expertise within the UK.
