Swissport has launched a new full-service partnership with Hainan Airlines at Auckland International Airport, providing passenger services, ramp handling, cargo operations, load control and aircraft cleaning.

Ground handling operations began July 31 and are now fully operational. The agreement follows the July 29 opening of Swissport’s new Auckland Cargo Centre, where Hainan Airlines was announced as the facility’s first airline customer.

The partnership expands Swissport’s ground handling and cargo operations in the Asia-Pacific region and supports passenger and cargo connections between New Zealand and China.

“This partnership reflects the confidence international airlines place in Swissport’s ability to deliver safe, reliable and integrated aviation services,” said Dean Durban, CEO of Swissport New Zealand. “As the first airline customer to operate through our new Auckland Cargo Centre, Hainan Airlines marks an important milestone for our business in New Zealand.”

Ahead of the launch, Swissport recruited Mandarin-speaking team members and worked with Hainan Airlines across passenger services, ramp handling, cargo, safety and IT. The company said safety, training and operational readiness were key areas of focus during the mobilization.

The Hainan Airlines service is expected to support trade between New Zealand and China, including exports of perishables, seafood, cherries and other premium products, as well as general import freight.

The Auckland operation is part of Swissport’s broader expansion of its Asia-Pacific cargo network. The company also has an agreement to manage and jointly operate the new Digital & Intelligent International Cargo Terminal at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

Swissport provides aviation services at more than 300 airports in 49 countries. The company handles more than five million tons of air freight and serves approximately 250 million passengers annually.