Air Malta has signed an agreement with Swissport for the latter to cover its ground handling business at London's Heathrow’s Terminal 4, one of Europe’s and the world’s busiest airports.

The new contract between Swissport and Malta’s national airline covers a comprehensive range of airport ground services such as check-in, gate services as well as ramp and baggage handling. This contract became effective in the beginning of September with aircraft cleaning services being added from October.

Air Malta currently has an average of two million customers per year. With this agreement, Swissport will be supporting 16 flights per week, seven days a week during the summer and 14 flights per week during the winter.

At Heathrow Airport, in addition to airport ground services and aircraft cleaning, Swissport offers air cargo handling to more than 35 airline customers. Last year, the company served over 1.3 million passengers, and handled more than 260,000 tons of air cargo, with a workforce of 653 employees. Apart from its services at the airport, Swissport manages four modern air cargo warehouses at Heathrow Airport and has been servicing airlines at the airport since 2011.

Karen Cox, Chief Executive Officer for Swissport UK and Ireland said that the company is delighted that Air Malta “has put its trust in us to deliver best-in-class ground services for their passengers. This agreement will lay the foundations for Swissport’s long-term presence at Terminal 4 as we continue to grow our footprint at the airport.”

Ms Cox added that as the fourth busiest airport in the world, London Heathrow plays a “pivotal role” in the global aviation as a hub for international travellers and cargo operations.