Commenting on the proposal, Juan Jose Andres Alvez, Executive Vice President EMEAA of Swissport, said: 'All in all this is a well-balanced proposal. The Commission realised that a complete deregulation of ground handling has many downsides, but also that the status quo of duopolies at some large airports poses major problems. A third license at large airports is the right approach.'
The EU ground-handling market is currently covered by a directive dating from October 1996 (Directive 96/67/EC), which gradually opened up airport handling services to competition, ensuring that airports above a certain size must allow at least two suppliers for each category of service, and that at least one of these suppliers should be entirely independent of the airport or the dominant air carrier at that airport.
Independent handlers are key to improving quality and safety at Europe's airports. Swissport, for instance, operates at almost 200 airports worldwide, which allows the company to constantly innovate, improve and benchmark their services. Independent handlers therefore strike the best balance between excellent quality of service and good working conditions.
Alvez added: 'We are convinced that such a moderate increase in competition would markedly improve quality of service for passengers and preserve high social standards, offering employees more choice and opportunities.'
However, Swissport would also recommend a more cautious approach with regards to self-handling, as the proposed deregulation can ultimately lead to significant negative consequences for passengers and employees.
'Fully-licensed handlers are the pillars of the airport system,' said Alvez. 'They are contractually obliged to support passengers, airlines and airports in case of disruption, such as natural disasters or adverse weather. Self-handlers, by contrast, are not required to fulfill these obligations. We hope that the European Parliament will close this loophole in the interest of consumers.'
