Swissport Acquires Majority Stake in Cape Verde’s CV Handling
Cape Verde’s state-owned airport authority, Airports and Air Safety (ASA), has officially finalized the sale of a 51% majority stake in CV Handling to Swissport, the world’s leading provider of airport ground services. The deal marks a major milestone in the archipelago’s strategic privatization program, aimed at modernizing its aviation sector.
Strategic Partnership and Global Expertise
ASA announced that the selection of Swissport as a strategic partner follows a rigorous divestment process initiated in 2024. By bringing the Swiss multinational on board, CV Handling is expected to leverage international best practices to bolster its technical and operational capabilities across Cape Verde’s airports.
“The completion of this operation successfully concludes the search for a strategic partner,” ASA said in a statement. The authority emphasized that the partnership is designed to ensure the modernization of infrastructure and the introduction of cutting-edge technological solutions to the island nation’s ground operations.
Job Security and Employee Shares
Concerns regarding the workforce were a primary focus during negotiations. ASA and the Cape Verdean government confirmed that the agreement guarantees the maintenance of all existing jobs and includes a robust commitment to professional training and human resource development.
In a move to promote local ownership, the privatization plan includes a public offering for up to 10% of CV Handling’s remaining capital. This offering is specifically reserved for key stakeholders: 5% will be available for the company’s employees, while at least 5% is earmarked for the Cape Verdean diaspora living abroad.
A Boost for Cape Verdean Aviation
Founded in 2014, CV Handling is currently the sole licensed operator providing ground assistance services in Cape Verde, employing 498 workers. The entry of Swissport—which operates at 300 airports across 45 countries—is expected to elevate the country’s aviation standards to a global level.
Swissport brings massive scale to the partnership, currently serving approximately 250 million passengers annually and managing over five million tons of air cargo worldwide. The Cape Verdean government originally selected Swissport in March, citing the company’s superior plan for qualifying human resources and its commitment to long-term investment in the local economy.
Image: Pexels – Rafael Rodrigues
