Summer is one of the busiest times in aviation, and airports are getting busier by the day. We caught up with Frank Dobbelsteijn, our Head of Global Operations, to find out what it takes to gear up for the summer rush and how we’re making sure our teams are ready for the months ahead.

Frank, with summer officially beginning tomorrow in the Northern Hemisphere, how has Swissport been preparing?
Our preparation for the summer season starts months in advance. We’ve focused on scaling up in a smart, data-led way, making sure we have the people, equipment, and training in place to meet rising demand. That includes refresher training for seasonal and permanent staff, shift pattern reviews, and readiness checks at our largest stations. At the same time, we conduct thorough inspections and maintenance on our ground support equipment (GSE) to ensure everything operates efficiently. These measures help us uphold the high standards our airline partners expect, while keeping safety front and center as volumes grow.

What goes into preparing our teams for the increased passenger and baggage volumes expected during summer?
Safety is always our top priority, and training plays a central role in how we prepare for the busy summer season. In the months leading up to the season, we onboard new colleagues, deliver refresher sessions, and focus on safety-critical skills. Our stations also run hands-on simulations and practical workshops to ensure our teams are ready for a range of passenger scenarios, whether that’s quick turnarounds, tight connections, or supporting families travelling during school holidays.

We also embed safety through our iCare programme, Swissport’s global standard for excellence in quality, health, safety, and the environment. iCare reflects our ‘Show you care’ value and helps reinforce a culture of care, accountability, and continuous improvement across our operations.

How do we work with airline customers and airport partners in the lead-up to a busy period like summer?
Providing reliable operations for our airline customers and their passengers is always a team effort. It starts with clear, proactive communication, not just with our airline customers, but also with airport authorities and other ground handlers. By identifying potential pressure points early, we can coordinate plans and reduce the risk of delays before they occur. This collaborative approach is often referred to as Airport Collaborative Decision Making.

We also work closely with each airline to review flight schedules in detail, ensuring we align on expected volumes, turnaround times, and resourcing needs. This early alignment helps us deliver consistent, high-quality service, even when operations are running at full capacity.

Swissport has been investing in real-time data tools and smart planning systems. How have these technologies helped us prepare for this summer?
Technology plays an increasingly important role in how we prepare for high-demand periods. Swissport uses live performance dashboards that provide real-time visibility into key operational metrics such as turnaround times, baggage handling progress, and on-time performance. These tools support faster, data-driven decision-making during peak periods and help our teams manage high volumes more effectively.

Our planning teams also use smart tools to forecast volumes and optimise shift rosters in advance. This helps us align staffing and resources with expected demand, improving operational efficiency, service reliability, and safety.

Looking ahead, what’s the single most important factor in delivering smooth and reliable operations for our customers this summer?
It’s the combination of preparation, teamwork, and an uncompromising commitment to safety. You can have the best technology or plans, but without a well-prepared, safety-focused team and close collaboration with partners, things can fall short. At Swissport, we place a strong focus on readiness, not just operationally, but culturally. Everyone understands the role they play in ensuring a safe, efficient journey for passengers and cargo, and our iCare programme plays a big part in that.

Summer brings volume, but also opportunity, and we’re ready for it.