Less than two months since cargo handler Worldwide Flight Services was acquired by global equity firm Platinum Equity, WFS was named the winning bidder out of 10 ground handlers, selected to operate five airports in Spain by airport operator Aena.
WFS will begin ramp services in Madrid, along with its existing cargo business, and Seville in October. It will also continue its cargo operations in Barcelona and Valencia. In November, Santiago and Oviedo will join the WFS network, along with Vitoria, where WFS will provide full ramp handling for freighters only.
This is multimillion-euro investment in aircraft and passenger handling equipment and facilities is anticipated to create hundreds of jobs in Spain. This new business comes on the heels of WFS announcing its plans to grow by exploring and perhaps implementing more acquisitions. Olivier Bijaoui, executive chairman, president and CEO of WFS, said the company plans to double in size in the next few years through acquisitions in key markets, partnerships and organic growth opportunities.
“Spain is a very important country for WFS,” said Emilio Fernandez, CEO Europe for WFS. “It is where we opened our first international station in 1991, and today we can proudly say we are the largest cargo handling organization in Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona and Bilbao.”