Following earlier attempts in the past, WFS and Aviapartner are negotiating a take-over of the latter’s cargo handling business by the former. This may bring airside access to WFS. “The transaction concerns only the cargo handling entity operating at Brussels Airport and is subject to the usual approvals and closing conditions,” Brussels Airport says in a flash press release. “Following completion of the agreement, WFS will take over the activities currently performed by Aviapartner Cargo, including cargo handling, full-freighter ramp handling and cargo and mail handling activities. All parties, including Brussels Airport Company, will work together to ensure a smooth transition of services.”
The operation does not include the cargo handling activities at Ostend-Bruges and Liège Airport. In view of the on-going regulatory process, WFS has declined any comment until this is completed.
Since last October Aviapartner has been one of the three handling companies that secured a license for full freighter handling at BRU, together with Menzies and dnata. To date WFS is operating as second-line handler, with no tarmac access. It is expected that the license held by Aviapartner may be part of the dowry, but eventually the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority and Brussels Airport will have the last say.
The take-over initiative is not the first courtship of the two companies. In 2012 plans were forged for a merger through a share swap, but that scheme fell through in 2013.
Brussels Airport points out that “Aviapartner Cargo has been a long-standing and reliable partner at Brussels Airport, active in the cargo zone since 1980.”
The origins of the company go back even further. It was founded in Antwerp in 1949 under the name Herfurth Air Service, as a subsidiary of ship agent Herfurth & Boutmy, primarily to perform the handling of ships spare parts flown in at Antwerp Airport. The company changed its name to Belgavia in 1968, and then to Aviapartner in 1999.
