Swissport signs definitive deal to acquire ASC and deepen ground and cargo capabilities at Heathrow and Gatwick

Swissport signs definitive deal to acquire ASC and deepen ground and cargo capabilities at Heathrow and Gatwick

(IN BRIEF) Swissport has signed definitive agreements to buy ASC, expanding its ground and cargo handling footprint at London Heathrow and Gatwick. Heathrow processes most of Britain’s air freight and ranks fifth globally by passengers, while Gatwick serves 43 million travellers a year. The acquisition adds ground handling strength, innovation capacity and two Heathrow cargo warehouses to Swissport’s UK platform. CEO Warwick Brady called the UK a core market and highlighted Swissport’s blend of organic growth and strategic M&A. UK & Ireland CEO Karen Cox pointed to shared values and new career opportunities for staff. ASC Chairman Ignazio Coraci said the deal gives stakeholders access to Swissport’s global network and integrated services. In 2024, Swissport’s 1,000 employees in the two airports assisted over three million passengers and 41 cargo clients; ASC’s 624 staff handled 12,000+ flights for 17 airlines. The deal awaits customary closing conditions.

(PRESS RELEASE) ZURICH, 23-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Swissport, the global leader in airport ground services and air cargo handling, has entered into definitive agreements to acquire ASC, the ground and cargo handler operating at London Heathrow and London Gatwick. Heathrow is the world’s fifth-busiest airport by passenger numbers, and more than 60% of the UK’s air freight moves through London’s airports. Gatwick, meanwhile, is the country’s second‑busiest gateway, flying 43 million travellers to 200+ destinations annually.

By bringing ASC into the fold, Swissport secures fresh scale and capability at both of London’s hub airports. The deal augments Swissport’s ground handling muscle, reinforces its position as a dependable, tech-forward partner to airlines and airports, and unlocks extra cargo capacity through two additional Heathrow warehouses.

“The UK is one of our core markets worldwide. Strengthening our presence in the country is a key pillar of our growth strategy. Swissport has a clear M&A strategy to enhance our platform in markets where we can optimise growth, margin and resilience across the portfolio. We will continue to pursue our ambitious expansion agenda by combining strong organic growth and strategic M&A in critical geographic markets across our ground handling, cargo and hospitality businesses globally providing a world class service to our customers,” said Warwick Brady, President & CEO of Swissport International.

Karen Cox, Swissport’s CEO for the UK and Ireland, commented: “We are really excited about the opportunities this agreement provides to enhance our services and further grow our offerings in the UK. Swissport and ASC share the same values of safety, operational excellence, customer focus and innovative technology solutions. This means brilliant opportunities for our employees as they are part of a growing, global company in a thriving sector. We are very much looking forward to welcoming ASC into the Swissport family.”

Ignazio Coraci, Chairman of the Board of ASC, said: “This agreement will give our customers, employees and partners the opportunity to benefit from Swissport’s extensive global footprint with a broader range of services across its network. By combining our experienced teams with a proven track record of consistent high quality service delivery we will continue strengthening resilience and driving greater efficiency to our airline partners through our integrated and comprehensive service offering.”

The transaction is pending customary closing conditions.

2024 snapshot (Heathrow & Gatwick)

Swissport: 1,000 team members served more than three million passengers and provided air cargo handling to around 41 airline customers.

ASC: 624 employees handled over 12,000 flights for 17 airlines.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Swissport stats 2024 (Heathrow and Gatwick):

In addition to airport ground services and aircraft cleaning, Swissport offers air cargo handling to some 41 airline customers at London Heathrow and Gatwick. Last year, the company’s 1,000 dedicated team served over three million passengers across the two airports.
ASC stats 2024 (Heathrow and Gatwick):

Employees: 624
Flights handled:  Over 12,000
Customers: 17 airline customers across Heathrow and Gatwick airports
About ASC:

In 2024, ASC provided high-quality ground and cargo handling services for over 12,000 flights across London Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Serving 17 customer airlines, ASC continues to deliver tailored, reliable service with a focus on operational excellence and personalized support. With a team of 624 aviation professionals, ASC operates from key UK and international locations, including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and airports in Palermo and Catania, Italy. Established in 2008, ASC has built its reputation on a commitment to service quality, flexibility and close partnerships with a select group of airline clients.

Media Contact:

Group Communications
media@swissport.com

SOURCE: Swissport