Industry veteran Steven Polmans joins Swissport to lead global cargo operations and strategic expansion

© Swissport International AG

(IN BRIEF) Swissport has appointed Steven Polmans as its new Global Senior Vice President Cargo, effective 15 November 2025, to lead the company’s international cargo operations and strengthen its global strategy. With over two decades of experience, Polmans brings extensive expertise from leadership positions at Abu Dhabi Airports, Brussels Airport Company, Air Cargo Belgium, and TIACA. In his new role, he will focus on enhancing Swissport’s commercial performance, exploring M&A opportunities, and fostering sustainable global growth across its air cargo network. Swissport, which handles over 5 million tonnes of air cargo annually, views this appointment as a key step in reinforcing its position as an innovative and value-driven leader in global air logistics.

(PRESS RELEASE) MANCHESTER, 3-Nov-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Swissport, the world’s leading provider of aviation ground services, has announced the appointment of Steven Polmans as Global Senior Vice President Cargo, effective 15 November 2025. Reporting directly to the Global Cargo Chair, Polmans will take charge of shaping Swissport’s global air cargo strategy, enhancing commercial performance, and driving innovation across the company’s expanding cargo operations.

Bringing over twenty years of experience in the aviation and logistics industries, Polmans has held prominent roles in major international organizations and industry associations. His appointment reinforces Swissport’s commitment to advancing cargo as one of its core pillars of strategic growth. Known for his leadership in transforming cargo operations and building strong industry partnerships, Polmans will guide Swissport’s efforts to deliver value-driven, technology-enabled solutions within the air cargo ecosystem.

Dirk Goovaerts, CEO Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India and Global Cargo Chair at Swissport, said: “We are delighted to welcome Steven Polmans to the Swissport team. His extensive experience in transforming cargo operations, building strategic industry partnerships, and driving innovation makes him the ideal leader to further enhance and grow our cargo services worldwide. Steven’s deep industry knowledge and forward-thinking approach will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen our position as a global leader in air cargo handling.”

Polmans expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating: “I am truly excited to take on this new role and to work alongside a dedicated team of passionate professionals. Together, we will strive to meet and exceed the expectations of our existing and future customers and achieve the ambitious growth targets Swissport has set for its cargo business.”

Before joining Swissport, Polmans served as Vice President Business Development at Abu Dhabi Airports and Director of Cargo & Logistics at Brussels Airport Company, where he played a major role in establishing BRUcargo as one of Europe’s leading pharmaceutical logistics hubs. He also co-founded Air Cargo Belgium and served as Chairman of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), where he championed collaboration and innovation within the global air cargo supply chain. Most recently, Polmans has been working as an independent air cargo consultant, offering strategic guidance to major players in the logistics industry.

In his new capacity at Swissport, Polmans will be responsible for identifying key growth opportunities, including organic expansion and strategic mergers and acquisitions. He will oversee global business development, customer engagement, and M&A initiatives within the cargo division, ensuring Swissport remains at the forefront of air cargo handling. The company’s cargo division currently processes more than 5 million tonnes of air freight annually across 117 warehouses worldwide, underscoring its leadership in the aviation services sector.

Media Contact:

Group Communications
email: media@swissport.com

SOURCE: Swissport International AG