Swissport is marking its 30th anniversary as the ground services provider highlights three decades of global expansion and growing investment in artificial intelligence, automation and electric ground support equipment.

Founded Aug. 16, 1996, as Swissair Ground Services International AG following its legal separation from Swissair, the company began operations at airports in Zurich, Geneva and Basel. Today, Swissport serves approximately 850 airline customers at more than 300 airports in 49 countries.

The anniversary follows a record 2025, when Swissport reported revenue of €3.9 billion. The company said it has doubled its turnover over the past five years while expanding its operations across ground handling, cargo and airport hospitality.

“As we mark our 30th anniversary, we celebrate the people, partnerships and pioneering spirit that have defined Swissport’s journey,” said Warwick Brady, president and CEO of Swissport International. “From its beginnings in Switzerland to becoming a trusted global brand, Swissport has never stood still.”

Across its network, Swissport handles approximately 4 million flights and serves 243 million passengers annually. Its cargo operations process 5.2 million tons of air cargo each year through 126 warehouses.

The company has also continued expanding in key aviation markets. Recent developments include its entry into China at Shanghai Pudong Airport, expansion to 16 airports in Saudi Arabia and the 2025 acquisition of ASC in the United Kingdom. Swissport operates at 85 airports across 15 countries in Latin America.

Technology has become an increasingly prominent part of the company’s ground handling strategy. Through Swissport Labs, the company is developing and deploying AI, automation, robotics and data analytics for aircraft turnaround, fleet management, passenger processing and other operations.

Among those technologies is TurnSmart, which uses AI-powered cameras to provide visibility throughout aircraft turnarounds. Swissport has also deployed AI-enabled dashboard cameras in its North American vehicle fleet, which the company said reduced operational incidents by 60% within six months.

Its SmartGSE technology tracks ground support equipment across airports to reduce the time employees spend locating assets, while OneKnowledge uses AI to provide employees with answers to operational questions in their native languages.

Swissport is also testing autonomous GSE. At Zurich Airport, the company is trialing a fully autonomous baggage handling vehicle as part of its efforts to explore the next generation of ground handling equipment.

Electrification is another major focus. Swissport said more than 27% of its global GSE fleet is now electric, which the company describes as the world's largest electric GSE fleet.

Cargo operations are undergoing similar technological changes. At Shanghai Pudong Airport, Swissport said AI-enabled warehouse systems can process up to 3,500 parcels per hour with 99.5% accuracy.

The company has also invested in cargo infrastructure at Manchester, Amsterdam, Sofia, Liège and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, expanding capacity for e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, temperature-sensitive products and perishables.

Swissport employs approximately 63,000 people worldwide. Employees completed more than 2 million training sessions in 2025 through Swissport Academy, with health and safety among the areas of emphasis.

“At the heart of this success are our 63,000 highly skilled people, whose expertise, commitment and dedication enable safe and reliable operations every day, everywhere,” Brady said. “As we enter our next chapter, driven by AI, automation and sustainability, Swissport is shaping the future of aviation services for airlines, airports, passengers and cargo customers around the world.”