Saudi carrier flynas and Swissport, the world's leader in aviation services, have entered into a long-term strategic equity transaction and commercial partnership that represents a significant milestone for both companies and further strengthens Swissport's position as a market leader in airport ground services, air cargo handling and airport hospitality globally.
Under the agreement, Swissport Saudi Arabia will become flynas' exclusive ground handling partner for 5 years across its entire network in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As part of the transaction, flynas will also acquire a 10% equity stake in Swissport Saudi Arabia, with an option to increase its shareholding to up to 20%. Following this agreement, Swissport's share of Saudi Arabia's ground handling market is expected to rise to nearly 40% of the total market size in the Kingdom, reinforcing its position as one of the key players contributing towards Saudi Vision 2030 and National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
Commenting on the agreement, flynas Chairman Ayed Al Jeaid, stated: "The unprecedented expansion of our fleet and destination network necessitates building an integrated services ecosystem that keeps pace with this growth and supports its sustainability. Our direct investment in the ground handling sector is a strategic extension of our operations. It maximizes our readiness to accommodate rapid operational growth, boosts efficiency, and bolsters flynas's ambitions to strengthen its regional and global leadership."
Swissport KSA Chairman, President & CEO of Swissport International Warwick Brady said: "This partnership marks a major milestone for Swissport in Saudi Arabia. It significantly strengthens our scale and competitive position in the Middle East's largest and fastest-growing aviation market. It reflects our long-term commitment to the success and continued development of the Kingdom's aviation sector. By combining our operational expertise with flynas's ambitious growth plans, we are building a long-term partnership that supports Saudi Vision 2030."
flynas CEO and Managing Director Bander Almohanna said: "Our investment as a shareholder in Swissport Saudi Arabia reflects our conviction in the importance of building a deeper strategic relationship and a partnership based on aligned visions and joint investment in the future of Saudi Arabia's aviation sector. Swissport is a trusted strategic partner, and our choice of them aligns perfectly with our long-term growth plans, given the company's operational expertise as a global leader in aviation services and the integrated technologies and solutions it offers."
CEO of Swissport Saudi Hamad Alhemede said: "Saudi Vision 2030 aims to position the kingdom as a global logistics hub by advancing the aviation sector and strengthening its competitiveness as a key pillar of economic diversification."
flynas plays a pivotal role in supporting the ambitions of Saudi Arabia's aviation strategy. Having achieved one of the fastest growth trajectories among airlines in the region, flynas is entering its next phase of strategic growth.
This partnership will serve as a key enabler of that journey, leveraging Swissport's global expertise, advanced technologies and integrated solutions to support flynas' ambitious expansion plans. What truly distinguishes this partnership is the strategic alignment between both companies.
"With flynas becoming a shareholder in Swissport Saudi Arabia, the relationship extends far beyond the traditional supplier to customer relationship, creating a long-term partnership built around shared ambitions and mutual growth," he added.
Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets and is rapidly establishing itself as the leading aviation hub in the Middle East. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom is investing more than $100 billion in aviation infrastructure and ecosystem development.
