Colombia’s Aviation Sector Set for Swissport Expansion Through GHI Partnership

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Swissport International has signed a binding agreement to acquire a majority stake in Giraldo Hermanos International SAS (GHI). Swissport expects to acquire this stake to enter the Colombian aviation services market. GHI is the largest provider of ground handling services in Colombia and is the third largest provider of this service in Peru.

Once Swissport International finalizes this acquisition, it will extend its service in Latin America where it currently provides ground handling services and air cargo services at 85 airports in 15 countries.

This transaction is subject to typical conditions andapprovals, primarily regulatory approvals. Therefore, closure of this acquisition cannot be confirmed at this time.

Why Is Swissport Entering Colombia?

Colombia represents a strategically important aviation market for Swissport because of its sizeable domestic passenger network and growing role in international air cargo.

The company said the acquisition is part of its strategy to expand in large, fast-growing aviation markets and strengthen its ability to support airline customers across Latin America.

By acquiring a majority stake in GHI, Swissport will gain an established Colombian operating platform rather than building a market presence from the ground up.

The move is also expected to expand Swissport’s ability to serve airlines and cargo customers operating through Colombia’s major airports.

What Does GHI Do In Colombia?

Giraldo Hermanos International SAS, or GHI, is a Colombian ground services company operating in Bogotá and Medellín.

The company is licensed to provide ground handling services at major airports across Colombia and offers a broad portfolio of aviation support services.

Its activities include passenger handling, air cargo handling, assistance for passengers with reduced mobility and equipment rental.

GHI also has a diversified customer portfolio that includes Copa Airlines, Air Europa, Turpial Airlines, Solar Cargo and FedEx.

This established customer base and operating infrastructure provide Swissport with an existing foundation from which to expand its Colombian activities following completion of the transaction.

How Important Is Colombia To South American Aviation?

Colombia is described in the announcement as South America’s second-largest domestic aviation market after Brazil.

Airports across the country handled 57.5 million passengers in 2025, highlighting the scale of the domestic aviation network.

The importance of Bogotá and Medellín is particularly visible through the country’s busiest domestic air corridor. According to the figures cited by Swissport, IATA identified the Bogotá-Medellín airport pair as Latin America’s busiest in 2025, with approximately 3.5 million passengers.

The scale of this connection provides an important potential market for passenger ground handling services.

Why Is Colombia Important For Air Cargo?

Colombia also has a significant position in regional air cargo.

The country ranks as the second-largest international air freight market in the region, according to the announcement.

Its aviation cargo network is particularly important for time-sensitive exports, including flowers, where speed and reliable logistics are critical.

Trade between Colombia and the United States also represents a major international air cargo flow. Swissport cited approximately 500,000 tonnes transported in 2025 between the two countries.

The combination of passenger aviation and cargo activity therefore gives the Colombian market strategic relevance for a global airport services provider.

What Will Swissport Bring To GHI?

Swissport said its global network, technology and operational capabilities will complement GHI’s established Colombian operations.

The company highlighted experience in managing complex and large aviation hubs, together with its focus on safety, operational performance and customer service.

Swissport President and CEO Warwick Brady said the partnership would strengthen the company’s ability to support existing airline customers and their operations across the region.

The company also expects its international capabilities to support the development of GHI’s services as the Colombian market continues to evolve.

What Does The Deal Mean For GHI?

For GHI, the agreement introduces Swissport as a majority partner while retaining the value of the Colombian company’s local experience and established operations.

GHI CEO Francisco Giraldo said Swissport’s global footprint, industry expertise and standards in safety, operational excellence and innovation would contribute to Colombia’s aviation services sector.

The partnership is intended to combine GHI’s local knowledge with Swissport’s international capabilities, potentially creating additional opportunities for customers, employees and industry partners.

How Does The Acquisition Fit Swissport’s Latin America Strategy?

Swissport already has a substantial Latin American footprint, operating at 85 airports across 15 countries.

Colombia adds another major aviation market to this network and gives Swissport an operating platform in a country with substantial passenger and cargo activity.

Swissport’s regional strategy is focused on expanding its presence in markets where passenger traffic, cargo demand and airline operations provide long-term growth opportunities.

Rene Pascua, Swissport’s CEO for Latin America and the Caribbean, said the Colombian acquisition is aligned with that regional growth strategy.

The company is also in discussions with international customers regarding its planned entry into the Colombian market.

When Will Swissport Complete The GHI Acquisition?

The transaction has not yet closed.

Completion remains subject to customary conditions, including obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals.

Once the transaction is completed, Swissport and GHI are expected to work together to build on GHI’s existing local platform and expand the quality, reliability and reach of ground handling services for airlines and passengers across Colombia.

The planned partnership would therefore give Swissport a direct Colombian presence while combining a local aviation services operation with the resources and international network of a global airport services company.