Joint Sky Services GmbH will take over the second ground handling license at Vienna Airport beginning Oct. 25, replacing Airline Assistance Switzerland AG (AAS) as questions remain about the future of approximately 360 AAS employees.

AAS currently holds the license through Oct. 24. Joint Sky Services was selected following a tender process for the second ground handling license, which covers baggage handling, cargo and mail handling and ramp services. The new license runs from Oct. 25, 2026, through October 2033.

AAS handles approximately 19,000 flights annually at Vienna, according to Austrian public broadcaster ORF.

Ahead of the transition, all 361 AAS employees at Vienna were registered in mid-August with the early-warning system of Austria's Public Employment Service, or AMS. AAS said the move was precautionary and does not mean all employees will be terminated.

Representatives of AAS and Joint Sky Services have said negotiations over the transition are progressing.

Martin Stift, managing director of Joint Sky Services, told ORF that he sees no reason for employees to fear for their jobs, noting that current staffing is already at the lower end of operational requirements.

Joint Sky Services intends to take on affected AAS employees if the airlines currently served by AAS move their business to the new handler, Stift said. If some carriers instead move their handling contracts to Vienna Airport's own operation, the airport would also require trained personnel to support that additional business.

The GPA Lower Austria union, meanwhile, is calling on both companies to quickly clarify employment arrangements following initial discussions with Joint Sky Services management.

"The exchange was constructive, but there are still no clear answers for the employees," said Thomas Schäffer, chairman of GPA Lower Austria.

The union also emphasized the importance of retaining experienced personnel during the transition, pointing to the training, security clearances and site-specific knowledge required for ground handling work.

"Ground handling is safety-relevant work," Schäffer said. "It requires well-trained, security-cleared and experienced personnel who know the processes and specific characteristics of the location. This knowledge cannot be replaced overnight."

Vienna Airport lists Joint Sky Services' ground handling license as valid beginning Oct. 25.