Latest news with #groundhandling


Zawya
28-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Menzies Aviation and AS Budapest finalise strategic partnership at Budapest Airport
London: Menzies Aviation, the leading service partner to the world's airports and airlines, has finalised its strategic partnership with Airport Service Budapest Zrt. (AS Budapest), following the approval of the Hungarian Competition Authority, creating new opportunities to support more customers and partners. Under the agreement, AS Budapest will transfer its ground handling and cargo operations to Menzies Aviation, acquiring a minority stake in Menzies Aviation Hungary Kft. and Menzies Aviation Cargo Hungary Kft. The Hungarian ground handling company will now operate under the Menzies' global brand, which includes operations at more than 300 airports in 65 countries. AS Budapest's employees will transfer to Menzies Aviation Hungary Kft., ensuring continuity of service and the integration of local expertise into Menzies' Budapest operation. The well-established SkyCourt Lounge – the airport's largest premium lounge – also becomes part of the integrated offering under the Menzies Aviation brand. Together, the companies will handle more than 2,500 flights and over 12,000 tons of cargo per month at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport (BUD), supported by a dedicated team of over 1,000 employees. The new partnership will cover all operational areas, including passenger services, baggage handling, cargo logistics, aircraft cleaning, de-icing, aircraft security and airside transport. The agreement marks a significant milestone for Menzies' BUD operation, creating opportunities to deliver more efficient, high-quality ground handling and cargo services for airline customers. This partnership follows Menzies' investment in a state-of-the-art facility in BUD's Cargo City in 2024, which saw a 3,000sqm warehouse expansion, new 1,500sqm manoeuvring area for truck and ground support equipment (GSE) and 300sqm office and social space. Miguel Gomez Sjunnesson, EVP Europe, Menzies Aviation, said: 'Finalising this partnership with AS Budapest is a positive step in expanding our European footprint and enhancing service levels at Budapest Airport. By combining the local knowledge and operational strengths of both AS Budapest and Menzies, we're uniquely positioned to meet rising demand and deliver first-class services to airlines, passengers and airport partners. 2024 broke all previous records in the airport's history, signalling robust growth ahead. With 20 million passengers expected by 2030, we're excited to support Budapest Airport on this growth journey as it reinforces its role as a leading regional hub.' This partnership reflects Menzies and AS Budapest's shared commitment to operational excellence, improved service delivery, enhanced sustainability and a seamless travel experience at one of Central Europe's key aviation hubs. For further information contact: Beki McVicker, PR Manager, Menzies Aviation via DGA Group DGA Group, One Fleet Place, London, EC4M 7RA menziesaviation@ About Menzies Aviation Menzies Aviation is the leading service partner to the world's airports and airlines, with operations on six continents, at more than 300 airports in 65-plus countries, serving more than 4.8 million flights a year and handling over 2.4 million tonnes of cargo. Supported by a team of over 50,000 highly trained people, the company provides complex and time-critical ground services, including passenger, lounge and ramp services; air cargo services, including handling, warehousing and wholesale freight forwarding; and fuel services, including fuel farm management and into-plane fuelling. Menzies Aviation is recognised across the industry for delivering the safest, most secure and sustainable services tailored to customers' needs and is essential to keeping passengers, aircraft and cargo moving, round the clock, every minute of every day. Menzies Aviation is headquartered in London, and since its founding in 1833, has become the largest aviation services group in the world by number of countries, airports and aircraft turns.

Emirates 24/7
15-07-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
dnata rolls out autonomous vehicles in airport operations
dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, has deployed a fleet of autonomous vehicles at Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC), introducing next -generation technology in ramp operations. The rollout marks a significant step in the automation of ground handling services – one of the aviation industry's most labour-, and time-intensive areas. Enhanced efficiency and safety dnata now operates six electric tractors – the EZTow model developed by TractEasy– at DWC. Traditionally, baggage is transported between the terminal and aircraft by human drivers, each operating under tight time constraints. The new autonomous vehicles streamline this process by towing up to four baggage containers (ULDs) at a time at speeds of up to 15 km/h, following pre-defined routes. With these new vehicles now in service, and as they become integrated into operations, staff who previously drove baggage tractors can be reassigned to more complex, value-added tasks, supporting faster turnarounds. At the same time, autonomous driving reduces the risk of human error, making airside operations safer for everyone on the ramp. From controlled trials to live airport operations The AED 6 million (US$ 1.6 million) project deployment begins with Level 3 autonomy, which involves minimal human oversight. This will upgrade to Level 4 autonomy, defined by full self-driving capabilities in controlled environments, in early 2026. Building the blueprint for tomorrow's airport Beyond its day-to-day role, dnata will use this deployment as a testbed to trial and refine different operating models for autonomous ground handling. The aim is to identify the most effective approach for wider rollout – especially as DWC expands into what is set to become the world's largest airport, with capacity for up to 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually. The insights gained will help shape how automation is built into the core of future airport operations at DWC. A game-changer for mobility 'This is an important step forward for both dnata and the wider aviation industry,' said Jaffar Dawood, Divisional Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations at dnata. 'While autonomous vehicles have largely been limited to trials, this deployment brings the technology into regular, day-to-day operations. As global travel continues to rebound and operational demands increase, automation could be key to building smarter, safer and more resilient infrastructure.' 'Autonomous GSE adoption is taking off,' said Rich Reno, TractEasy's CEO. 'TractEasy is proud and excited to partner with an industry leader like dnata and blaze a safe and efficient autonomous trail for others to follow.' Autonomous ground support equipment (GSE) has become a key focus area for innovation in recent years. According to IATA, such trials are currently underway in more than 15 countries, though most remain in early testing phases or restricted to small-scale pilots. dnata's latest deployment positions it at the forefront of this shift and builds on its broader innovation agenda. Recent highlights include the successful integration of autonomous drones into its warehouse operations, which significantly reduced processing times and increased accuracy in shipment tracking. The rollout follows over a year of collaboration between dnata, TractEasy, Dubai Airports and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The parties have been working together to create a new regulatory framework for autonomous vehicle operations in airside environments, which remain largely undefined at a global level.


The Independent
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Airport staff are being rewarded for spotting your oversized Easyjet bag
Airport staff working for ground handling companies are receiving cash bonuses for identifying easyJet passengers with oversized cabin bags. An internal email revealed Swissport staff at seven UK airports were offered £1.20 per 'gate bag taken', an incentive introduced in November 2023 and still active. This 'easyJet gate bag revenue incentive' aims to reward staff for enforcing the airline's baggage policy, with £1.20 of the £48 gate charge going to the ground handler. Ground handling agents, who are employed by third parties, manage their own remuneration, with easyJet stating it focuses on partners applying policies correctly. A DHL spokesperson said the policy ensured adherence to easyJet's baggage rules.


Argaam
19-06-2025
- Business
- Argaam
SGS shareholders approve SAR 1.5B deals, contracts with related parties
Saudi Ground Services Co.'s (SGS) ordinary general meeting (OGM) approved a bundle of contracts with related parties during 2024, with a total value of approximately SAR 1.5 billion. According to a statement on Tadawul, it included dealings and contracts with Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) at SAR 1.11 billion, Saudi Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI) at SAR 22.4 million, Saudia Private Aviation (SPA) at around SAR 13.3 million, Royal Fleet Services at SAR 31.49 million, flyadeal at SAR 245.6 million, SAL Saudi Logistics Services at SAR 18.2 million, and Catering Holding Co. (Catrion) at SAR 61.7 million. The dealings and contracts involve the offering of ground handling services at airports across the Kingdom. The board members Nasser AlQawas and Fahad Hamzah Sindi have an indirect interest in all of these contracts. SGS confirmed that all transactions were conducted on commercial terms without any preferential treatment. It also noted that the OGM approved all other items on the meeting agenda.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nominations for Super Terminal Expo Awards 2025 Open from Now until September
Recognising Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence in Shaping Tomorrow's Transportation Hub HONG KONG, June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Super Terminal Expo has announced the second edition of the Super Terminal Expo Awards 2025 – celebrating excellence in airport design, cargo innovation, ground handling, sustainability, and commercial breakthroughs. With six award categories and multiple subcategories, the awards aim to honour airports, terminal operators, and suppliers achieving innovative designs, operational efficiency, and environmental progress. Award Categories: 1. Best Airport Design Reserved for airports that enrich the overall journey for passengers and freight through thoughtful, intelligent design, spotlighting entities that blend aesthetic brilliance with operational excellence. Submissions are divided into three subcategories: Airports serving under 5 million passengers Airports serving 5-20 million passengers Airports serving over 20 million passengers Nominees should showcase: Integration of technology and design: Intelligent terminals and sustainability-driven projects. Adaptive infrastructure: Resilient designs ready for future challenges. User experience excellence: Seamless navigation, comfort, and reduced transfer times. 2. Best Cargo Hub Reserved for cargo hubs that exemplify unrivalled efficiency, innovation, and connectivity, transforming the logistics and freight sector. Submissions are divided into three subcategories: Airports excelling in cargo services Facilities integrating next-gen freight handling methods Rail/port hubs advancing global trade connectivity Nominees should showcase: Operational efficiency: Secure and streamlined movement of goods. Technological innovation: Incorporation of automation and advanced analytics. Global connectivity: Networks and partnerships driving international commerce. 3. Best Ground Handler Celebrates the ground handling entity that significantly elevate the efficiency, safety, and overall experience of airport operations for airlines, passengers, and cargo. Nominees should showcase: Optimised operations: Faster turnaround times and resourceful management. Customer satisfaction: Positive feedback through exceptional service. Technological advancement: Use of tools to improve sustainability and streamline communication. 4. Best Terminal Innovation Honours the most groundbreaking innovations shaping the future of terminals, celebrating ventures that tackle critical challenges, redefine industry standards, and demonstrate exceptional potential for positive impact. Submissions are divided into two subcategories: Airport innovations improving efficiency Vendor solutions delivering transformative tools Nominees should showcase: Technological progress: Innovations such as AI, robotics, or automation. Quantifiable results: Measurable improvements to industry norms. Scalability: The ability for solutions to be deployed on a large scale. 5. Best Sustainable Initiative Honouring the airport and vendor that leads by example in environmental stewardship, this category spotlights initiatives and/or solutions that significantly reduce the airport's environmental impact, promote sustainability, and contribute to the global effort against climate change. Submissions are divided into two subcategories: Airport sustainability programmes Vendor solutions driving eco-friendly aviation Nominees should showcase: Innovative practices: Reductions in environmental impact, backed by data. Compliance: Alignment with international sustainability standards. Community impact: Contributions to ecosystem health and social development. 6. Best Commercial Innovation Honouring the non-aeronautical vendor that redefines the commercial landscape through groundbreaking concepts, technologies, or services. Nominees should showcase: Enhanced offerings: Improved retail, amenities, or customer-centric facilities. Customer experience: Boosted satisfaction and well-being for airport users. Financial impact: Increased revenue or operational efficiency. Submit Your Nominations Today Nominations are open now until 14 September 2025. Whether you're working on advancing airport cities, optimising freight logistics, or championing sustainability, this is your opportunity to gain recognition. Finalists will be announced in October, with winners announced during the Super Terminal Expo Gala Dinner & Awards on 4 November 2025. The panel of judges for this year's awards will be announced soon. Visit to submit your nominations today! For further details, visit or email awards@ About Super Terminal Expo Super Terminal Expo is a three-day event held on November 4 - 6, at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong. It focuses on intermodal terminal design & development, exploring the unique challenges and opportunities in intermodal transportation hubs, with a focus on airports. Expecting more than 4,000 attendees, the event offers a comprehensive platform encompassing a dynamic exhibition showcasing the latest innovations from more than 120+ exhibitors and brands, an insightful conference featuring expert presentations and thought leadership, interactive airport dialogues fostering in-depth discussions, and a prestigious awards ceremony recognising industry excellence. Attendees will also benefit from valuable networking opportunities to connect with peers and leaders, and gain exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of Hong Kong International Airport. Co-location with GAD AsiaFor airport planners, operators, investors, and government reps, the co-location of GAD Asia at Super Terminal Expo in Hong Kong offers a prime opportunity. GAD Asia unites airport finance, management, and strategy leaders. This synergy provides a 360-degree view of future airport hubs, connecting you with global development stakeholders to identify investments and best practices for Asia's next-gen airport infrastructure, integrated within the broader intermodal transport landscape. About Informa Markets Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. We provide marketplace participants around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, targeted digital services and actionable data solutions. We connect buyers and sellers across more than a dozen global verticals, including Pharmaceuticals, Food, Medical Technology and Infrastructure. As the world's leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit View original content: SOURCE Super Terminal Expo Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data