Swissport starts handling operations in Astana

Swissport started ground handling operations at Astana International Airport Kazakhstan 1 October.

Swissport Kazakhstan as the venture will be known, is a cooperation between the airport and the Airport Management Group (AMG) – the trust management company for the chain of airports in Kazakhstan.

They will jointly aim to raise the quality of ground handling services to international standards.

Swissport says it is the Government of Kazakhstan’s wish to advance and upgrade its airports and ground services to make them compliant with international regulations, and prepare them for EXPO 2017 in Astana.

On 14 September 2015, Swissport Kazakhstan and JSC Astana International Airport signed an agreement that both parties will jointly develop ground-handling operations at Astana International Airport.

Astana International Airport will benefit from the health and safety know-how, seasoned staff training methods and standardised processes Swissport Kazakhstan will implement.

With the start of operations, Swissport Kazakhstan provides passenger-handling services to the airport and says it is prepared to expand its service portfolio to other ground handling services needed.

AMG general director, Claude Badan, says: “We are very much looking forward to the cooperation with Swissport Kazakhstan, and are convinced that Astana International Airport will profit from the international experience and high quality levels Swissport Kazakhstan brings to our airport.”

Swissport Kazakhstan and vice president CIS Countries for Swissport International, Vladimir Semenchenko, says: “We are pleased to jointly develop the market of ground handling services at Astana airport. The Kazakh market offers great potential, and together with AMG we have the perfect set-up to strive for meeting international standards when it comes to ground services.”