British aviation services company Swissport announces creation of 900 jobs in the UK, with profits nearly quadrupling

Swissport, a leading provider of ground and cargo handling, as well as airport lounge services, has reported a significant growth in its UK operations for the year 2024. The company's revenue surged from £300.8 million to £348.6 million, marking a notable improvement from the previous year.

This growth was accompanied by a pre-tax profit of £39.8 million, a substantial increase from £10.5 million in the previous year. Swissport's UK arm had not made a profit since 2018, making this achievement even more noteworthy.

The company's strategy of balancing cost control with readiness for sudden changes in travel demand has proven effective. Swissport is focusing on flexibility, using temporary staffing to manage costs and adapt to fluctuating demand. As a result, the headcount at Swissport's UK arm increased from 6,200 to 7,100 in 2024.

However, Swissport's success is not without its challenges. The ongoing war in Ukraine has led to increased fuel costs, while Trump's tariff announcements have caused significant volatility on global markets. Additionally, high inflation and 5% interest rates in the UK are reducing consumer spending power, impacting air travel demand for Swissport.

Despite these challenges, Swissport remains resilient amid geopolitical and economic uncertainties. The low unemployment rate of 4.4% in the UK supports business travel, which benefits Swissport. The company operates at 20 UK airports, providing ground handling, cargo, and lounge services.

Swissport's revenue from cargo handling increased from £74.5 million to £86.2 million, while lounge revenue edged up from £20.5 million to £21.6 million. However, it is important to note that the number of employees at Swissport's UK arm in 2025 is not provided in the available information.

The risk of a recession in 2025 could further pressure the aviation industry, including Swissport. The company's approach of balancing cost control with readiness for sudden changes in travel demand will likely continue to be crucial for its success in the coming years.

Swissport created 1,400 jobs in 2023, demonstrating its commitment to growth and investment in the UK. Despite the challenges, Swissport's UK operations have shown a remarkable recovery, positioning the company well for the future.

British aviation services company Swissport announces creation of 900 jobs in the UK, with profits nearly quadrupling