Swissport International has laid out ambitious environmental goals under its new sustainability strategy. Unveiling its Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) agenda on September 14, the Zurich-based airport ground services provider, which has a presence at 287 airports across 45 countries, has committed to achieving improved goals relating to the de-carbonisation of its operations, waste management and circularity.
Commenting on Swissport’s new agenda, company president and CEO Warwick Brady said: “As a signatory to the UN Global Compact since 2011, Swissport committed to its responsibility for the planet and society. And as the global market leader in aviation ground services, it is incumbent upon Swissport to set the benchmark and drive change in this area, too. We are committed to contributing our share in helping to make a more sustainable aviation future a reality. For us, sustainability goals are not a compulsory exercise, but an opportunity which contributes to long-term value creation. A sustainable service delivery also benefits our customers and their corporate profiles.”
The strategy will sit alongside the Swissport’s growth plan and covers its entire portfolio. It includes a pledge to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 42% over the next decade, which will be achieved in part by the further acquisition of electrically powered vehicles – these are expected to account for at least 55% of the company’s total fleet by 2032.
Nadia Kaddouri, Swissport's Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer added: “More and more airline customers and airport partners are demanding fleets on the ground that are emission-free. At an increasing number of airports, Swissport will offer it to them.”
The provider, which last year handled 97 million airline passengers, has also committed to eliminate the use of all disposable plastic tableware from airport lounges operated by subsidiary Aspire Lounges by 2025, while it will also implement mandatory waste avoidance at some of its 120 air cargo centres by 2027.
The strategy also extends beyond environmental measures to include talent acquisition and retention – Swissport hopes to increase the share of women in leadership and management roles to 40% over the next five years – and further social community outreach, covering areas such as healthcare, sports, charity, environmental protection, and career development.
Photo credit: Swissport
