Dnata acquires ground handling operation in Switzerland

This represents Dnata's third new airport handling acquisition this year, following the recent announcements of joint ventures in Australia and China. This will also be Dnata's first airport handling business in Europe and is consistent with its strategy of developing an international network of outstanding quality and service.

With the acquisition of Jet Aviation Handling, Dnata now has airport handling operations at 16 airports in six countries, including Australia, Singapore, China, Pakistan, Philippines as well as the UAE.

Stewart Angus, Divisional Senior Vice President of Dnata said: "We are very pleased that Jet Aviation Handling will join our growing international network. Jet Aviation Handling provides quality service to its airline customers in Switzerland and will be a perfect fit with our businesses in Dubai, Singapore, Australia and elsewhere."

He added: "Dnata is committed to further developing the strengths of Jet Aviation Handling, and ensuring that its airline customers continue to enjoy the highest possible levels of customer service."

Urs Zorn, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Jet Aviation Handling AG said: "Our management and the employees enjoy the full confidence of the new shareholder and Dnata is eager to work with the current management team. Within the next few months, we will change Jet Aviation Handling AG's corporate name so that we will be fully integrated into the Dnata group."

Jet Aviation Handling provides airline and cargo handling to over 60 airlines at Zurich and Geneva international airports in Switzerland. Its customers include British Airways, Air France, KLM, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways and Air Berlin. It employs around 1,100 staff across the two airports, and offers the full-range of handling activities including passenger services, lounge, baggage, ramp, load control, communications, cargo and station control.

The sale by Jet Aviation Group reflects its strategy to focus on its core activities in the private and business aviation sector. Its FBO operations in Zurich and Geneva, which are responsible for the handling of business and private aviation, will not be part of this sale, but will remain with Jet Aviation Group.