Ground handler Swissport buys Inter Handling to expand in Finland

SWISSPORT International, global ground handler, has acquired a Finnish cargo handling company, Inter Handling, and its sister company, Inter Handling Turku, which together handled 19,000 flights and combined annual revenues of EUR7.5 million (US$9.4 million).

The move is intended to accelerate Swissport's expansion in this "important and promising" market, and enable it to rapidly and efficiently build its network and ground handling services.

Inter Handling offers ground handling services at various airports in Finland, including its biggest operation in Helsinki Vantaa. This newly acquired company is expected to be a "perfect addition" to Swissport's Finnish operation that was established in December 2011 to provide baggage and apron services for Finnair at its Helsinki Airport hub.

Swissport vice president Juan Jose Andres Alvez, chief of ground handling for Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa, said: "The acquisition will enable us to offer a full service portfolio in Finland and provide additional services for Inter Handling's existing customers."