Swissport has begun handling LATAM Cargo operations at Cape Town and Johannesburg, strengthening the air cargo connection between South Africa and São Paulo, Brazil.
The first flights were managed safely, efficiently and on schedule, following several months of detailed planning and close coordination between the companies’ teams. Swissport staff at both South African locations will continue to combine their local cargo expertise with the company’s global operating standards in support of LATAM Cargo.
The new partnership adds to Swissport’s broader expansion across Africa and other international markets, as the company continues to grow its cargo and aviation services.
In August, Swissport opened a 630-square-metre temperature-controlled cargo facility at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania. The site can handle up to 13,000 tonnes of cargo annually and has been designed specifically for temperature-sensitive shipments, including flowers, fresh produce, seafood, meat and pharmaceuticals.
Swissport has also strengthened its presence in Saudi Arabia through a five-year partnership with flynas. Under the agreement, Swissport Saudi Arabia will serve as flynas’ exclusive ground handling partner throughout the airline’s network in the Kingdom. As part of the deal, flynas will acquire a 10% stake in Swissport Saudi Arabia, with an option to raise that holding to 20%.
More recently, Swissport and Etihad Airways agreed to broaden their global ground handling and cargo partnership, increasing its coverage from 30 to 40 airports across Africa, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia. The agreement includes ground handling and cargo services, with the possibility of extending the partnership to airport hospitality.
Swissport’s African network now spans 29 airports in six countries and includes 17 warehouses supporting cargo activities. The network also provides cold-chain capabilities for shipments requiring strict time and temperature control.
For LATAM Cargo, operations in Cape Town and Johannesburg will continue to be supported by Swissport teams as the carrier moves cargo between South Africa and São Paulo. The focus will remain on safe, reliable and consistent handling across both facilities.
