Swissport International (Swissport), airport ground services and air cargo manager, has signed a binding agreement to acquire Swiftair Maroc, a Casablanca-based cargo handling company operating at Mohammed V International Airport.
The airport is Morocco’s main air cargo hub, handling approximately 95% of the country’s total air cargo volume.
Swiftair Maroc operates a 3,700 square meter airside warehouse at the airport, which includes a dedicated temperature-controlled infrastructure, with specialized cold rooms for pharmaceuticals and perishables.
Swissport said the acquisition supports its strategy to expand its global cargo business and strengthen its capabilities in Morocco, where it already provides ground handling services at 16 airports across the country.
Warwick Brady, President and CEO of Swissport, said: “Morocco is a dynamic and fast-growing market with increasing importance in global trade flows. The acquisition of Swiftair Maroc supports our strategy to further expand and accelerate the growth of our global cargo business.
“As a key gateway between Europe, Africa and the Americas, Morocco supports strong export industries such as automotive, aerospace, agriculture and textiles, while facilitating critical imports. At the same time, this agreement strengthens our freight capabilities in the region and enhances our ability to support customers with high-quality and efficient logistics solutions.”
Swissport Maroc also operates business aviation services in Marrakech, Casablanca and Tangier, and manages 10 airport lounges in nine locations under its Aspire brand. The addition of cargo handling capabilities is described as the natural next step in the development of its integrated aviation services offering in the country.
Dirk Goovaerts, CEO of Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa, India and President of Global Cargo at Swissport, said: “Swiftair Maroc provides a strong platform to expand our cargo business in Morocco. Combined with our local expertise and partnerships with global airlines, we see clear opportunities to increase capacity and further strengthen our capabilities in handling high-value and specialized cargo.
“This investment reflects our continued commitment to Morocco and the broader African market, while supporting our strategy to build an integrated aviation services offering in our key markets.”
Salvador Moreno, founder and CEO of Swiftair, said: “The sale is part of Swiftair’s strategy to exit non-essential activities and further strengthen its leadership in the air cargo market.”
“Swiss port is well positioned to support the company’s next phase of development and we look forward to continuing our collaboration as one of its key clients in the country.”
Closing of the transaction remains subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals.
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