• Swissport is entering Colombia through its acquisition of Giraldo Hermanos International SAS (GHI), the ground services company with operations in Bogotá and Medellín.
• Colombia is South America’s second largest aviation market as Swissport eye’s a strengthened presence on the continent.
• GHI’s current portfolio of customers, including Copa Airlines, Air Europa, Turpial Airlines, Solar Cargo and FedEx.

Swissport International (Swissport) is reinforcing its presence in South America with its announced acquisition of Giraldo Hermanos International SAS (GHI), the Colombian based ground handler that currently operates in Bogotá and Medellín.

The transaction will establish a strategic platform for growth in South America’s second-largestaviation market, strengthening Swissport’s presence in the continent as it announced today that it has signed a binding agreement to acquire a majority stake in GHI.

Swissport itself currently operates  at 85 airports across 15 countries in Latin America, and this expansion is part of Swissport’s strategy to broaden its footprint in large, fast-growing aviation markets, enhancing its ability to support airline customers across the region.

GHI is a Colombian ground services company with operations in Bogotá and Medellín. Licensed to provide ground handling at all major airports in Colombia, GHI offers a comprehensive range of services, including passenger and air cargo handling, assistance for passengers with reduced mobility and equipment rental.

The company serves a strong and diversified portfolio of customers, including Copa Airlines, Air Europa, Turpial Airlines, Solar Cargo and FedEx.

Warwick Brady, President & CEO of Swissport International, said: “Colombia is a strategically important, high-growth market for Swissport, and GHI has established a strong operational platform from which we can grow together. We are delighted to partner with the GHI team as we expand in Colombia, strengthening our ability to support our existing airline customers and their operations across the region. Swissport’s growth is built on a strong foundation of safety, operational excellence and a relentless focus on customer service. Our proven track record of operating complex, large hubs, combined with our global network, technology and leading capabilities, puts us in a strong position to support Latin American carriers while bringing Swissport’s high standards of service to Colombia.”

Colombia plays an important role in the continental air cargo market, ranking as the second-largest international air freight market in the region. The country is particularly significant for time-sensitive exports such as flowers, while trade between Colombia and the United States represented the region’s largest international air cargo flow, with 500,000 tons transported in 2025.

Francisco Giraldo, CEO of GHI, said: “We are very proud to welcome Swissport as our new majority partner. Its global footprint, extensive industry expertise and world-class standards in safety, operational excellence and innovation will be a tremendous contribution to Colombia’s aviation services sector. This partnership brings together GHI’s strong local knowledge and established operations with Swissport’s global capabilities, creating an exciting platform for our customers, employees and partners and supporting the continued development of our industry in Colombia.”

The closing of the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Following completion, Swissport and GHI will work together to build on GHI’s strong local foundation and further enhance the quality, reliability and reach of ground services for airlines and their passengers across Colombia.

Rene Pascua, Swissport’s CEO for Latin America and the Caribbean, added: “This acquisition is fully aligned with our regional growth strategy. Colombia presents attractive long-term prospects across aviation and cargo, and we are in active dialogue with several of our key international customers who are keen for us to enter the market. By building on GHI’s existing platform and combining it with Swissport’s global network and best-in-class operational capabilities, we can support the continued development of the market while creating value forour customers. We look forward to partnering with the GHI team and welcoming them into the global Swissport family.”

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