Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport said Tuesday it has provisionally selected dnata, KLM, and Viggo to provide ground handling services under a new concession-based model, reducing the number of service providers from six to three in a move aimed at improving operational efficiency, working conditions, and passenger services.

In a press release, Schiphol said the three companies received the highest scores in a tender process based on five qualitative criteria, including service quality, employment practices, collaboration, and sustainability.

The selected operators will be granted seven-year concessions to provide baggage and aircraft handling services at the airport, replacing the existing open-market system under which six companies competed for business. Airlines will continue to sign service contracts directly with the ground handling providers.

Under the new model, the companies will be expected to cooperate more closely by sharing equipment and making further investments in sustainable operations.

"We are taking this step forward for our employees, travellers and airlines," said Patricia Vitalis, Chief Operating Officer at Royal Schiphol Group.

She said the revised system would allow the airport to set clearer operational standards and improve the working environment for ground handling employees, adding that such oversight had been more difficult under the previous open-market structure.

Schiphol said the restructuring would not lead to any job losses. The airport, labor unions, and ground handling companies have agreed on measures to support employees transferring to new employers while maintaining their existing employment terms and conditions.

The airport said the agreements were reached between the ground handling employers' association (WPBL) and the FNV trade union to help ensure a smooth transition for workers during the changeover period.

The overhaul follows a decision by the Dutch Minister for Infrastructure and Water Management to regulate the ground handling market at Schiphol, one of Europe's busiest airports.

Schiphol said it expects to award the concessions in the third quarter of 2026. Airlines are expected to conclude contracts with the selected providers by the end of the year, providing employees with certainty ahead of the operational transition.

Source: PR