QAS and SATS sign collaboration agreement for Doha International Airport ground handling operations

QAS, a subsidiary of award-winning Qatar Airways, is the principal ground handling operator at Doha International Airport (DIA), Qatar, providing comprehensive ground handling services, including passenger, apron, technical ramp, baggage and cargo handling services, together with ground support equipment maintenance.

QAS is engaging SATS to provide it with management services at DIA under a two-year collaboration agreement. The services will be provided in the areas of process re-engineering, performance measurement, planning, training and review of systems and procedures, for QAS's ground handling operations at DIA.

It is SATS' first foray into the Middle East market and the QAS deal follows a number of high-level political delegations from Singapore to Qatar to explore new business opportunities.

Qatar Aviation Services and Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Mr Akbar Al Baker said: "We are very pleased to enter into this collaboration. SATS has an established and well-deserved reputation for being an excellent ground handling service provider. This is another step forward in Qatar Airways' strategy to provide our passengers with the finest levels of service, not only in the air, but also on the ground.

"We expect that this collaboration with SATS will improve the quality of our ground service product and enhance Doha International Airport's status as a premier airport hub in the Middle East region."

Qatar Airways already uses SATS for all its ground handling operations at Singapore Changi International Airport, where the airline flies to seven times a week non-stop from Doha.

SATS President and Chief Executive Officer Mr Ng Chin Hwee said: "We are honoured and glad to be working with QAS and Qatar Airways in this collaboration, and look forward to playing our part in supporting the growth and expansion of Doha International Airport.

"Qatar Airways' commitment to offering high quality services to its passengers is well known, and SATS is pleased to be able to offer its support to its friends at one of the world's fastest growing airlines. SATS will station several senior personnel with the required expertise and experience in Doha, and also provide additional support from Singapore."

Mr Ng added: "SATS is excited to be expanding into the Middle East market for the first time, and also pleased that this comes so soon after our announcement of our inflight catering collaboration in Pakistan. We will continue to look for further opportunities to grow overseas."

The collaboration agreement has no material financial impact on SATS in terms of earnings per share or net tangible assets per share.