South African Airways’ (SAA) ground handling services will now be carried out by ground services provider Swissport South Africa Ltd as Swissport International announced. An agreement has been concluded between the two organisations whereby Swissport South Africa will handle SAA’s entire airport ramp handling requirements within South Africa. The agreement will take effect from 1 February 2008.

“We are delighted that Swissport South Africa has agreed to handle SAA. Between the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), Swissport South Africa and SAA, we will work hard to remedy some of the baggage-related problems that our customers have been experiencing,” says Chris Smyth, SAA General Manager Operations. “Ultimately, we are confident that Swissport South Africa will succeed in providing a reliable, efficient and quality service to our passengers,” says Smyth.

Swissport Cargo Services South Africa remains the Cargo Handling Agent of choice for all carriers at O.R. Tambo, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth Airports and does not form part of the Ramp Handling agreement between SAA and Swissport South Africa.

Swissport South Africa will focus on services for SAA at O.R Tambo, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and East London International Airports.

“We are very pleased that SAA has displayed confidence in Swissport’s ability to provide a world class service. We are looking forward to this agreement leading to a mutually beneficial, lasting relationship with SAA,” says President and CEO, Willy Hallauer, Swissport South Africa Pty Ltd.