On 8 June 2020, the news that Swissport Belgium had filed for bankruptcy hit us like a bolt out of the blue.
The bankruptcy led to a great distress for our colleagues at Swissport Belgium and great concern for the smooth running of the resumption of passenger flights planned a few days later, on 15 June! An airport is indeed an ecosystem where many companies participate in the smooth running of airport operations. Handling companies are essential players. In addition, our airport has a legal obligation to have two of them in operation.
A six-month licence
Every effort is being made to find a solution. The airport community shows solidarity. Aviapartner makes its contribution. Several airlines resort to self-handling. Only a few flights are cancelled. And since 1 July, Alyzia SAS has been providing the service. Pending the organisation of the usual procedure for selecting a new handler, the French company has been granted a temporary licence for a period of six months for baggage and ramp handling. It can also offer passenger handling services (such as check-in) and cleaning.
Welcome, Alyzia SAS!