Etihad Airways and Swissport, which the airline describes as the world's largest provider of aviation services by revenue, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Arabian Travel Market to expand their global partnership, increasing the number of airports at which Swissport serves the airline from 30 to 40, according to a statement from Etihad.

The expanded partnership covers airports across Africa, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia, adding 10 new locations to the work Swissport already carries out for the airline, the statement said.

Under the agreement, the two companies will work together across ground handling and cargo services, with scope to extend the relationship into airport hospitality through Swissport's Aspire brand, which operates 110 airport lounges worldwide, according to the statement. Both sides intend the partnership to be long-term, providing a framework to add airports and services as Etihad's network grows.

Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Chief Operations and Guest Officer at Etihad Airways, said the airline's expansion depends on the right standard of ground service being in place before flights to new destinations begin. "Working with one partner across 40 airports gives our guests the same experience whether they are departing from Europe, Asia or North America, and gives our operation the consistency it needs to match that expansion," he said, adding that combining Swissport's global expertise with Etihad's growth plans would enhance efficiency, service quality and the guest experience.

Warwick Brady, President and Chief Executive Officer of Swissport, said the two companies shared "the same ambition for operational excellence and an uncompromising focus on the customer experience." He said Swissport was proud to support Etihad's growth phase with its global network, operational expertise and technology capabilities, citing the company's experience managing large, complex aviation hubs.

The statement said technology and innovation would be important drivers of the expanded partnership, with the two companies exploring automation, artificial intelligence and data-driven tools — including Swissport's work on autonomous ground vehicles — to support safer and more efficient airport operations. — Etihad Airways