– Includes the acquisition of a 10% stake in Swissport Saudi Arabia, with the option to increase the stake to 20% in the future.
RIYADH, AL-RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, September 7, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Swissport, the world’s leader in aviation services, and flynas, the leading low-cost airline in the world and the best LCC in the Middle East, 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 Arabia’s Vision 2030 and aviation 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’ ambitions to strengthen its regional and global leadership.”
“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’ ambitious growth plans, we are building a long-term partnership that supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030,” said Warwick Brady, Swissport KSA Chairman, President & CEO of Swissport International.
“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,” said Bander Almohanna, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of flynas.
“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.” said Hamad Alhemede, CEO of Swissport KSA.
One of the fastest-growing airlines in the Middle East, flynas increased its capacity by more than 60% between 2019 and 2024, reflecting the exceptional momentum of Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. In 2025, the airline carried 15.8 million passengers, marking a 7% year-on-year increase. Supported by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy, flynas continues to drive tourism expansion, enhance connectivity, and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification.
In July 2026, flynas confirmed the purchase of five A330neo wide-body aircraft and 20 A321neo aircraft under its existing agreements with Airbus, bringing its confirmed Airbus orders to 235 aircraft out of a total orderbook of 280 aircraft, supporting the airline’s growth and expansion plans in the coming years.
The partnership will substantially increase Swissport’s operations in Saudi Arabia, strengthening its market presence and creating a solid platform for continued expansion.
Further underscores both companies’ confidence in the continued growth of Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry and their shared commitment to delivering operational excellence while supporting the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 objectives.
Powering Saudi Arabia’s aviation transformation:
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 US$100 billion in aviation infrastructure and ecosystem development.
As Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carrier, flynas has played a significant role in advancing these ambitions by expanding domestic and international connectivity, increasing access to air travel, and supporting the growth of leisure and business travel.
Against this backdrop, Swissport continues to expand its presence and capabilities across the Kingdom. Ten years after launching operations in Saudi Arabia, Swissport now employs more than 6,000 aviation professionals and serves customers at 20 airports across the Kingdom. The new partnership further strengthens Swissport’s commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s aviation transformation with world-class aviation services.
According to IATA, based on its latest available (2023) data, Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector contributes around US$90.6 billion to the economy—equivalent to 8.5% of GDP—and supports more than 1.4 million jobs (*).
* https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/2025-releases/2025-05-06-01
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