Article:
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is reorganizing its baggage and aircraft ground handling operations, provisionally selecting dnata, KLM, and Viggo as its three ground handling providers, down from the current six contractors operating under an open market model.
The three companies were chosen based on five pre-defined qualitative criteria, including service provision, employment practices, and collaboration. Under the new arrangement, they will be required to share equipment more frequently and invest further in sustainability. Each will be granted a seven-year concession to provide baggage and aircraft handling services, entering contracts directly with airlines.
“The new way in which we are organising ground handling is a tangible example of how we are improving the quality of our services,” said Patricia Vitalis, Chief Operating Officer at Royal Schiphol Group. “It provides employees with the pleasant working environment they need to deliver top performance every day, and it enables us to set clear requirements for parties operating at the airport.”
No jobs will be lost as a result of the tender. Agreements between the ground handling employers’ association (WPBL) and trade union FNV are designed to support affected employees in transitioning to new employers while maintaining their existing terms and conditions of employment.
The tender follows a decision by the Dutch Minister for Infrastructure and Water Management to regulate Schiphol’s ground handling market. Final award is expected in the third quarter of 2026, with airlines required to conclude contracts with the new providers by the end of the year. The new partnerships will commence in the second quarter of 2027.
