Menzies Aviation has signed a Subscription Agreement with TAP Air Portugal and Groundforce to acquire a controlling stake of 50.1% in Groundforce, the airline’s aviation services arm.
Menzies Aviation, a leading service partner to the world’s airports and airlines, has signed a Subscription Agreement with TAP Air Portugal and Groundforce to acquire a controlling stake of 50.1% in Groundforce, the airline’s aviation services arm. The move is a decisive step towards the recovery of Groundforce, strengthening the confidence of all its stakeholders in the future of the company and also a significant milestone in strengthening handling capacity, with an impact on the entire national economy.
Groundforce handles over 100,000 aircraft turns each year, across its operations at five of the busiest airports in Portugal, providing ground and air cargo services to several global airlines, including TAP, its main customer. Upon the granting of all necessary authorizations and consents, the Recovery Plan will be submitted by the Insolvency Administrators for review, discussion, and approval by Groundforce’s Creditors Assembly.
“We have strong conviction in the global aviation industry, and we are encouraged by the pace of recovery for both passenger and cargo volumes following the pandemic disruption. This transaction is further evidence of our scale and ability to enter a market in a meaningful way, as a long-term investor with a strong commitment to deliver industry-leading services to airline and airport customers. We look forward to working with the Groundforce team to take advantage of the opportunities in this market,” said Hassan El-Houry, Chairman, Menzies Aviation.
For TAP, this process is crucial for the stability and improvement of the company’s operational performance, with a direct impact on TAP’s activity and the satisfaction of its customers. National Aviation Services, which joined forces with Menzies Aviation last year under the ownership of Agility, was selected as a preferred bidder for Groundforce in August 2022. On completion, Menzies Aviation will have a 65% market share in Portugal, with operations at five airports and more than 3,000 employees.
Philipp Joeinig, CEO, Menzies Aviation said, “Groundforce has had a leading position in the aviation services market in Portugal for decades and we are pleased to have signed this agreement, which enables us to enter the market at scale. We will work to ensure a seamless transition for all stakeholders including airline customers and employees. This transition will enable us to deliver the safest, most secure, and consistent services to our airline and airport partners at these five airports across Portugal.”
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The subscription agreement represents a significant opportunity for Menzies Aviation to enter the aviation services market in Portugal and strengthen its position as a leading service partner to airports and airlines worldwide. With a focus on delivering industry-leading services, Menzies Aviation is committed to supporting the recovery of the aviation industry and providing innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
