Ground handler Swissport is entering the Colombian market through the acquisition of Giraldo Hermanos International (GHI).
The handler said the acquisition of a majority stake would expand its presence in Latin America where it currently operates at 85 airports across 15 countries.
GHI has a presence at Bogotá and Medellín, where it provides air cargo and passenger handling as well as other services.
The company serves customers, including Copa Airlines, Air Europa, Turpial Airlines, Solar Cargo and FedEx.
Rene Pascua, Swissport’s chief executive for Latin America and the Caribbean, said that several of its key international customers were keen for the company to enter Colombian market.
“This expansion is part of Swissport’s strategy to broaden its footprint in large, fast-growing aviation markets, enhancing its ability to support airline customers across the region,” Swissport said.
The handler pointed out that Colombia has the second-largest international airfreight market in South America.
The country is particularly significant for time-sensitive exports such as flowers, while trade between Colombia and the US represented the region’s largest international air cargo flow, with 500,000 tons transported in 2025.
Swissport International president and chief executive Warwick Brady said: “Colombia is a strategically important, high-growth market for Swissport, and GHI has established a strong operational platform from which we can grow together.
“We are delighted to partner with the GHI team as we expand in Colombia, strengthening our ability to support our existing airline customers and their operations across the region.”
GHI chief executive Francisco Giraldo added: “This partnership brings together GHI’s strong local knowledge and established operations with Swissport’s global capabilities, creating an exciting platform for our customers, employees and partners and supporting the continued development of our industry in Colombia.”
The closing of the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
The company has been busy expanding its presence across the globe this year. In June, Swissport entered the Chinese market with the start of operations at the Digital & Intelligent International Cargo Terminal at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
And in May, the handler entered the Moroccan cargo market through the purchase of Swiftair Maroc, a cargo handling company operating at Mohammed V Airport, which is Morocco’s primary airfreight hub and handles approximately 95% of the country’s total air cargo volumes.
