SWISSPORT APPOINTS STEVEN POLMANS AS GLOBAL SVP CARGO

Media Release

Steven Polmans will join Swissport as Global Senior Vice President Cargo, effective November 15th 2025. He brings extensive experience from leadership roles across various companies and industry associations in different parts of the world, strengthening Swissport’s cargo business, one of the company’s strategic growth pillars.

Swissport, the global leader in aviation services, appoints Steven Polmans as Global Senior Vice President Cargo, reporting directly to the Global Cargo Chair. With over two decades of experience in the aviation industry and a proven track record in developing and implementing successful cargo strategies, Polmans will lead Swissport's global air cargo operations with a focus on developing and driving the global cargo strategy, enhancing commercial performance, and positioning Swissport as an innovative, value-adding service provider in the air cargo value chain.

"We are delighted to welcome Steven Polmans to the Swissport team," says Dirk Goovaerts, CEO Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa, & India and Global Cargo Chair at Swissport. "His extensive experience in transforming cargo operations, building strategic industry partnerships, and driving innovation makes him the ideal leader to further enhance and grow our cargo services worldwide. Steven's deep industry knowledge and forward-thinking approach will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen our position as a global leader in air cargo handling."

On his appointment, Polmans said: “I am truly excited to take on this new role and to work alongside a dedicated team of passionate professionals. Together, we will strive to meet and exceed the expectations of our existing and future customers and achieve the ambitious growth targets Swissport has set for its cargo business.”

Polmans joins Swissport with an extensive background in the air cargo industry. Most recently, before his current professional activities as an independent air cargo consutlant, he served as Vice President Business Development at Abu Dhabi Airports, Director of Cargo & Logistics at Brussels Airport Company, where he played a key role in developing BRUcargo into a leading pharmaceutical logistics hub. He was also the founding Chairman of Air Cargo Belgium and served as Chairman of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), demonstrating exceptional leadership in fostering collaboration across the air cargo supply chain. His extensive network and deep understanding of global cargo markets will be valuable assets to Swissport as it pursues delivering world-class service to airlines and freight forwarders, optimizing revenue, and driving operational efficiencies.

In his new role, Polmans will be responsible for identifying key growth opportunities through both organic expansion and strategic M&A activities. As the key point of contact for all commercial matters, business development initiatives, and M&A activities within Swissport's cargo business, he will play a crucial role in strengthening the company's global reputation and ensuring Swissport maintains its position as a market leader in the sector. Swissport Air Cargo division handles over 5 million tonnes of air cargo annually across 117 cargo warehouses worldwide. The appointment of Polmans aligns with Swissport's strategy to strengthen its leadership team with industry experts who can drive sustainable growth and operational excellence across its global network.

Steven Polmans, Global Senior Vice President Cargo, Swissport

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In 2024, Swissport International AG provided best-in-class airport ground services for some 247 million airline passengers (2023: 232 million), welcomed 5.9 million lounge guests (2023: 5.7 million), and handled roughly 5 million tons of air freight (2023: 4.7 million) at 117 air cargo centers worldwide. Several of its warehouses have been certified for pharmaceutical logistics by IATA’s CEIV Pharma and by the British MHRA. At the end of December 2024, the world's leader in airport ground services and air cargo handling, with currently around 65,000 employees, was active at 279 airports in 45 countries on six continents.

Media contact
Swissport International AG, Group Communications, P.O. Box, 8058 Zurich Airport, Switzerland
media@swissport.com

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