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Swissport International AG Zurich, July 1st, 2008 - Swissport International, the world's leading aviation services group, has appointed John Batten as its new Executive Vice President Cargo. Batten will assume his duties, in which he will also serve on Group Executive Management Board, on August 1st.
In John Batten (48), who is a UK national, Swissport has enlisted a proven industry professional to head its global cargo operations. Batten can draw on extensive experience in the air transport sector. He is currently serving as Senior Vice President Cargo for Qatar Airways, based in Doha, with worldwide responsibility for the carrier's airfreight sales, ground operations and business development.
Prior to this, John Batten spent 25 years (from 1982 to 2007) with TNT Express Worldwide in a career that saw him occupy various executive positions at Headquarters and around the world. In addition to his management skills and his logistics expertise, Batten has earned a strong reputation for his hands-on approach and his wide practical experience in day-to-day airfreight operations. Per Utnegaard, President and CEO of Swissport International, is very pleased with this assignment. "Having worked with John in the past, I am absolutely delighted to have him on board since he brings a vast of experience and professionalism to our group."
Swissport Cargo Services is active at some 100 destinations with 87 warehouses with more than 400'000 square meters in more than 30 countries and, with annual operating revenue of some CHF 450 million (EUR 300 million), is a key element within the world's leading ground handling group. Swissport's cargo division offers the full range of cargo handling services, and also complies with all the latest Cargo2000 norms.
A positive cargo outlook
As the latest international statistics confirm, the world air cargo business continues to show encouraging trends, with average annual growth currently running at 3,5%. Swissport, too, is pleased with recent developments in its airfreight business: year-to-date cargo revenue for the first five months of 2008 was around 8% above its prior-year level. To help take full advantage of these favourable trends, Swissport Cargo Services will recruit some more professionals in the near future in order to strengthen its sales forces with the Global Key Account Management team.
Swissport International Ltd., which is owned by Ferrovial, a leading European infrastructure and service corporation based in Spain, provides ground services for over 70 million passengers and 3.5 million tonnes of cargo a year on behalf of some 650 client companies. With its workforce of around 30 000 personnel, Swissport is active at 187 airports in 43 countries on five continents, and generated consolidated operating revenue of CHF 1.9 billion (EUR 1,3 billion or USD 1,8 billion) last year. www.swissport.com / www.ferrovial.com
Swissport International Ltd. Corporate Communications P.O. Box CH-8058 Zurich Airport
