23 Oct 2025
Media Release
UK & Ireland
Serving 25 airports across the UK & Ireland, Swissport is a key partner to airlines and airports alike. From ground handling, fuelling, cargo management to premium lounge hospitality, we keep people, aircrafts, and freight moving safely and reliably across the British Isles and beyond.
Swissport UK&I, our commitment
The UK & Ireland are among Europe’s busiest aviation markets, with almost 350 million passengers using British and Irish airports in 2024. Swissport partners with airlines across 25 airports, supporting domestic, European and long-haul operations. Working with regional, low-cost and premium airlines, alongside freight forwarder partners, we enable seamless travel and reliable cargo operations across the region.
Ongoing investments in cargo infrastructure, electrified ground support equipment, and AI-driven operational tools enhance safety, efficiency, and precision, helping airlines meet growing passenger and cargo demand.
Across the region, our teams deliver consistent, high-quality service. From efficient aircraft turnarounds and high-quality fuelling operations to secure cargo handling and premium lounge experiences, we proudly support airline and airport growth across the UK and Ireland.
Ongoing investments in cargo infrastructure, electrified ground support equipment, and AI-driven operational tools enhance safety, efficiency, and precision, helping airlines meet growing passenger and cargo demand.
Across the region, our teams deliver consistent, high-quality service. From efficient aircraft turnarounds and high-quality fuelling operations to secure cargo handling and premium lounge experiences, we proudly support airline and airport growth across the UK and Ireland.
Swissport’s continued investment across the UK and Ireland reflects our commitment to supporting airline and airport growth with reliable, innovative, and customer-focused solutions. From cargo and ground handling to lounges and fuelling, our teams deliver safe, efficient, and seamless operations across one of Europe’s busiest aviation markets.
Safety-first services
Tech-led, responsible services
Safety is always our number one priority. We are the first and only major airport services provider worldwide to achieve the triple ISO certifications — ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), and ISO 45001 (health & safety) across our global network. In addition, many of our stations hold ISAGO accreditation, further strengthening our operational compliance.
On the ground, we are taking safety to the next level, implementing AI-enabled GSE equipment and Aircraft Proximity Detection Systems (APDS) systems to minimize delays and boost on-time performance.
Our work with leading airlines
Open conversations, strong partnerships
Swissport is the only major airport services provider to engage airline partners through weekly performance surveys, using real-time feedback to drive continuous improvement. Our customer-centric approach builds trust and delivers tailored solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce disruptions, and improve passenger experience.
With extensive experience supporting leading airlines and managing complex hub operations across key airports in the UK and Ireland, including Heathrow, Manchester, and Dublin, we are your trusted partner committed to optimizing operations and safeguarding your brand—every day, everywhere.
Expanding cargo capacity
Powering e-commerce growth
Swissport is strengthening its air cargo capacity at key airports across the UK & Ireland, with new and expanded facilities at Manchester, East Midlands, Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted. Handling over 760,000 tonnes of cargo annually, these strategic investments are a core part of our global cargo growth strategy, combining operational excellence, cutting-edge technology, and deep industry expertise.
Our fully integrated services connect ground handling with advanced customs and digital solutions, supporting the rapid growth of e-commerce and enabling airlines and freight forwarders to respond to evolving market demands with speed, agility and precision.
Europe’s largest airport lounge brand
Redefining airport hospitality
With 27 lounges across the UK & Ireland’s major airports, Swissport is redefining airport hospitality by bringing the premium hotel experience to executive lounges, welcoming over 1.2 million guests each year. Our Aspire Lounge at Newcastle Airport sets a global benchmark as the world’s first three-tier lounge, providing travellers with unparalleled options in luxury, comfort and personalised service before their journey.
Aspire is the first in the aviation sector to join the prestigious Institute of Hospitality and UKHospitality, and we are fully committed to becoming the world’s leading airport hospitality brand.
Responsible growth in action
Lower emissions and local impact
Across our UK & Ireland operations, we’re expanding our electric ground support equipment (GSE) fleet and investing in innovative, eco-friendly technologies to decarbonise our operations and help reduce Scope 3 emissions for airlines and airports.
Alongside environmental leadership, Swissport is committed to making a positive community impact through accessible and transparent CSR initiatives, including a sponsorship scheme, colleague volunteering, and practical local support such as foodbank donations and charity fundraising.
Innovation in action
Smart tech powering UK&I operations
The UK&I team leads ground handling innovation with smart digital tools that boost safety, speed, and efficiency. Our solutions offer real-time insights, saving minutes off turnaround times to improve passenger experience and on-time performance.
AI-powered technologies optimize safety and equipment use, while oneKnowledge gives frontline teams instant access to vital information. These innovations streamline operations, cut turnaround times, and raise the bar for excellence in aviation ground services.
Powering performance
Advanced GSE fleet
As the world’s largest airport GSE operator — and the largest provider of GSE maintenance in the UK — Swissport supports its UK & Ireland operation through a nationwide network of dedicated GSE workshops. We are investing £47m in new equipment, with over 80% of on-site GSE now fully electric.
Our 24/7 Integrated Control Centre in Birmingham provides live telematics, monitoring and instant incident response to ensure safety and operational control at all times. Through continued electrification, we are targeting 55% electric GSE by 2032 and a 44% reduction in CO₂ emissions.
2025 UK&I footprint
25
Airports
19
Warehouses
10K
Employees
UK & Ireland
Latest news
Making it happen in the UK&I
Join our team
Jobs at swissport UK&I
People are the bedrock of all we do at Swissport. They are the key to our success, enabling us to deliver our high-quality services no matter the circumstances. Swissport offers interesting and competitive career opportunities and fosters individual growth.