Collaboration for sustainable aviation
How Swissport partners with airlines, suppliers, industry bodies, and stakeholders to advance sustainability across the aviation value chain
Our role is to scale solutions that extend beyond our own operations, contributing to broader industry transformation.
Leading fleet electrification
Swissport is accelerating fleet electrification through strategic partnerships with leading GSE manufacturers, advancing electric baggage tractors, belt loaders, stairs, and forklifts across its global network. These collaborations drive innovation in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and equipment standards.
Our electric procurement policy prioritises electric GSE where operationally viable, supporting a target of 55% electric fleet by 2032. With over 26% of our ground handling fleet electric by end of 2025, we are actively supporting the transition to lower-emission airport operations.
SAF collaboration
Swissport supports airline customers in the operational integration of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
While SAF procurement is driven by airlines, Swissport ensures safe handling, refuelling coordination, and operational readiness at airport level.
This enables airlines to integrate SAF into their operations efficiently as availability grows globally.
Responsible supplier collaboration
Swissport works with suppliers to improve sustainability performance across the value chain.
Through structured engagement programmes, suppliers are supported in improving emissions data quality and environmental practices.
Sustainability criteria are integrated into procurement processes, including environmental and safety standards, and supplier due diligence requirements.
Industry leadership & standards
Swissport participates actively in aviation industry sustainability initiatives, working with organizations such as IATA, national aviation authorities, and sustainability-focused industry groups to advance collective action on climate change and social responsibility.
This includes contribution to sustainability working groups, alignment with emerging environmental standards, and participation in the IATA Enhanced GSE Recognition Program. Our Palma de Mallorca station was the first Swissport location certified under this program, promoting safety-enhanced ground support equipment.
Performance & engagement
Our EcoVadis Platinum rating (top 1% globally) provides customers and partners with independent validation of our sustainability practices across environmental management, labor practices, ethics, and sustainable procurement. This external assessment offers assurance beyond our own reporting.
Regular stakeholder engagement—including investors, employees, customers, communities, and NGOs—informs our sustainability strategy through a double materiality assessment, ensuring we remain responsive to evolving expectations and focus on topics that matter most.
Tech for sustainable innovation
wissport collaborates with technology providers to develop and deploy solutions that advance sustainability and strengthen operational performance. From electric and autonomous GSE to monitoring systems and AI-enabled tools, these partnerships translate innovation into practical applications.
Working with Swissport Labs, our in-house innovation hub, we pilot scalable, interoperable technologies that deliver measurable improvements for airline partners. This operations-led approach ensures every innovation is shaped by frontline experience and ready for real-world deployment across the aviation ecosystem.
Supporting airline net zero
As airlines work toward their own net-zero commitments, Swissport provides emissions data, electric ground handling services, and operational support to complement airline sustainability reporting and target achievement.
Our SBTi-validated targets align with the aviation industry’s transition. Through regular performance updates and sustainability reporting, we share consistent emissions and environmental performance data with airline partners to support reporting requirements and external disclosure.