DLL and Swissport are supporting aviation fleet electrification through scalable financing for electric ground support equipment.
Swissport provides airport ground handling and air cargo services across more than 300 airports in 49 countries. Its vehicle fleet supports daily airport operations, where reliability, safety and operational efficiency are critical.
To meet the aviation industry’s growing sustainability expectations, Swissport has committed to a
transformation of its operations.
The company is targeting the transition of 55 percent of its motorised GSE to electric by 2032. Swissport says the program is designed to reduce emissions while supporting operational efficiency across its global network.
Delivering the program at scale requires more than asset investment alone. It also requires financing arrangements that can support equipment deployment across multiple regions and operating environments.
For Swissport, electrification forms part of its sustainability strategy, as well as its approach to operational resilience and efficiency. For DLL, the partnership aligns with its work in sustainable asset financing.
“The energy transition is one of our key focus areas, and within that we bet on e-mobility and the electrification of fleets,” says Lara Yocarini, DLL Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Executive Board.
A partnership built on shared ambition
Swissport initially turned to DLL to support the rollout of electric GSE in Australia. DLL worked with Swissport’s procurement, finance and operations teams to understand its fleet strategy, local requirements and long-term sustainability goals.
“We’ve been able to grow the relationship in Australia and, subsequently, globally, becoming a key partner in the electrification of their fleet,” says Geoff Anderson, DLL Business Development Manager.
As Swissport’s electrification program expanded, DLL scaled its support through a global master limit financing structure. This model gives Swissport access to funding across Australia, Europe, the United States and other key markets, creating a consistent framework that supports local execution.
Through a simplified approval process, DLL says it has helped Swissport reduce administrative burden, improve capital planning and accelerate the deployment of electric equipment. The approach is intended to help the business move from strategy to implementation more efficiently.
Supporting operational efficiency and sustainability
For Swissport, electrification is not only an environmental initiative. It is also an investment in operational performance.
“Swissport has a 2032 target for 55 percent of its motorised vehicles to be electric, and DLL has assisted with the investment required to help reach that target,” says Jason Wills, National Operations Manager, Fleet, Swissport Australia.
Andrew Batch, Chief Financial Officer, Swissport Australia, says DLL’s model provides both financial and operational support.
“DLL’s financing approach combines global expertise with local execution and supports our long-term operational goals through continued investment in innovation,” he says.
Global expertise, local execution
DLL’s ability to structure large-scale, multi-country financing programs has been central to the partnership. With local teams and global coordination, DLL supports Swissport in deploying assets across different markets.
“We provide access to streamlined funding channels, as well as knowledge and experience that we can leverage across multiple jurisdictions,” says Lara.
This combination of global capability and local delivery is helping Swissport progress its electrification roadmap and support its operational resilience.
Lara concludes: “As Swissport continues to electrify its fleet and grow globally, we want to be their partner every step of the way.”
Reach out To DLL
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