Swissport International Ltd given go ahead for second air cargo terminal in Israel

Following a compromise reached between the Ministers of Transport and Finance, Swissport International Ltd will operate the second air cargo terminal at Ben Gurion Airport.
 
The ministers accepted the conclusions reached by the Segal committee set up by the ministries to study the issue of a second cargo terminal as well as the setting up of private air cargo terminals around the airport.
 
Swissport International Ltd. is a major force in the global ground and cargo handling business. In 2003, it served more than 60 million passengers, and provided ramp handling for over 1,800,000 aircraft.
 
Swissport generated revenues of USD 960 million (CHF 1.2 billion) and employed more than 20,000 people worldwide. The number of stations served by Swissport rose to over 160 in 2003. The combined volume of cargo handled is more than 3 million metric tons.
 
The ministerial decision will be submitted to the high court of justice within the next few days and will allow Swissport International Ltd to begin its preparation for the inauguration of the second cargo terminal expected to open its doors in the second half of 2006.