Swissport Cargo Services France has commenced operations at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse, expanding Swissport’s European air cargo presence. The new operation, a platform for further commercial development in the region, is in the French sector of the airport serving France, Switzerland and Germany, and marks the company’s return to the French air freight market.
The 3,000 square metre facility is to back up cargo flows at one of Central Europe’s major logistics crossroads. The infrastructure has been set up to increase handling efficiency, comply with security standards and to speed up freight processing for airlines and logistics partners.
A special area of 1,000 square metres is reserved for the French customs service, to facilitate the procedures for clearing goods arriving in or leaving France and to ensure that they comply with regulations. 2,000 sq m are dedicated to international cargo activities, including the build-up and breakdown of unit load devices (ULDs), direct freight processing and cargo management.
This division enables the facility to handle regional import and export shipments and international transhipment activities to ensure seamless workflow throughout the different cargo categories.
New French operation with the expertise of Basel
Swissport Cargo Services France will focus on cargo handling for airlines in the first phase. The operation is a separate legal and commercial entity serving the French aviation market, but will work closely with Swissport’s existing cargo hub in Basel.
The goal of the arrangement is to combine a dedicated presence in France with the operational experience, infrastructure and staff training expertise that the Basel team has already developed. It will also ensure the new facility meets Swissport’s global standards for safety, quality management and operational performance.
“France is a strategically important aviation market with substantial long-term growth potential”, said Bruno Stefani, Swissport’s Regional CEO for Switzerland, Italy and France.
“The launch is a major step towards building a long-term and sustainable operational presence across the country,” he said. In addition to cargo handling, the company’s ambitions in France extend beyond that, with the potential to introduce its airport ground services and premium airport hospitality solutions to the market.
These activities will help Swissport to establish long-term partnerships with international airlines and airport authorities and to increase its participation in the French aviation industry.
Building on the Basel-Mulhouse team’s experience
Andreas Behnke, Head of Cargo for Switzerland, Italy and France and Station Manager Basel-Mulhouse at Swissport, highlighted the importance of cooperation between the existing Basel operation and the newly established French entity.
The launch enables the group to draw on the experience of its established Basel cargo team while developing a local operation dedicated to opportunities in the French freight market.
For the new organisation, the immediate priorities are teamwork, strict adherence to safety procedures and consistent operational performance. These principles are expected to provide the foundation for subsequent commercial expansion and potential infrastructure development.
Inside view of Swissport’s cargo warehouse at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse. Photo: Swissport.
Strengthening a global air freight network
The opening of the facility in the airport’s French sector adds capacity to Swissport’s wider European cargo network and reinforces its international operating presence. Globally, the company operates more than 120 dedicated cargo centres and handles over five million tonnes of air freight annually on behalf of hundreds of airline customers.
By combining its international network, standardised operating procedures and local market expertise, Swissport is positioning the new French operation to support airline cargo requirements while creating opportunities for broader growth in France.
The launch therefore represents both an expansion of the company’s regional handling capacity and a strategic step towards developing its wider portfolio of aviation services in the French market.
