Airport Handlinga company majority-controlled by dnata, was awarded a 7-year license in October 2023 for the supply Of ground assistance services at Fiumicino Airport (FCO) following a rigorous tender process. The start of operations has however been delayed due to legal disputes initiated by the outgoing ground operator, Swissport, which contests the award for having been excluded from the tender, with the Lazio Regional Administrative Court, which, after an initial postponement from March to June on the decision, has further postponed the ruling to 23 October, apparently due to lack of documentation.
Alberto MorosiCEO of Airport Handling, said: “The prolonged delay we are experiencing impacts not only the service providers awarded the tender, but also the passengers and airlines at the airport. Despite these setbacks, we intend to start operations at Fiumicino as soon as possible. In fact, we have already committed to investing more than €20 million in equipment, including advanced electric vehicles, and plan to hire qualified local employees to provide world-class services. Our recent hiring of managers with extensive experience in the local market underlines our dedication. We remain optimistic as we await the court’s decision, confident in the accuracy of the airport authority’s actions and the strength of our position.”
Airport Handling is one of the main air service providers in Italy. Trusted partner of over 60 airlines; the company manages over 22 million passengers and 82,000 flights per year at the two Milan airports, Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN). Airport Handling’s majority shareholder is dnata, a global player in the combined air services industry, operating in more than 120 airports worldwide. In addition to ground assistance, dnata also provides catering and cargo services in all major Italian airports.
