Swissport Sees Air Cargo Volumes Dip to 4.7 Million Tons in 2023 Amid Economic Challenges

Ground handler Swissport saw its air cargo volumes decline last year as economic conditions took their toll.

Swissport handled a total of 4.7m tonnes of cargo last year at 115 air cargo centres worldwide compared with 4.8m tonnes in 2022.

“Wage inflation, rising interest rates and the wars in Ukraine and Gaza continue to negatively impact global business and consumer confidence,” the company said.

However, the firm is positive about the year ahead and is expecting continued recovery in the passenger sector.

Last year, Swissport handled a 15.3% increase in flight numbers to 3.9m as passenger operations resumed.

“After the bumpy return of global air traffic to normal operations in 2022, Swissport in 2023 has delivered the reliable, clockwork type ground operations airlines seek,” said Warwick Brady, president and chief executive of Swissport International.

“As the global market leader – present at more airports than any other ground handler – we were able to swiftly rebuild our teams to some 60,000 people globally, who now again provide airlines with the operating environment and services required for them to confidently and safely expand their flight schedules.”

He added: “We continue to invest in product and service innovations and in operational excellence, leveraging the potential of digital innovation and AI supported solutions to drive value creation for Swissport and our customers.

“As the sector leader we also invest in a more environmentally friendly operation, making our contribution to protecting the planet.

“As one key commitment here, Swissport will further increase the share of electrically powered vehicles in its fleet to at least 55% by 2032. Longer term, we are committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by latest 2050.”