Swissport, the Zurich based airport ground handling entity which last year took over Servisair’s worldwide airport handling services, has announced the appointment of a new South African CEO and German/Austrian cargo head.
Peter Kohl, who has spent over five years as CEO of the Swissport cargo operations in Germany and Austria will move to Johannesburg, South Africa, as of March this year to take up the position of
Managing Director of Swissport’s ground and cargo handling organization.
Peter’s responsibilities will also cover the field of regional business development in southern Africa.
Pole position
Swissport South Africa is a leading ground handling player in the country.
Their portfolio covers ramp and cargo handling, security services as well as Executive Aviation handling.
The Swiss handling entity employs well over 1,800 people in South Africa and has operations in six of the countries airports. Namely - Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, George and
East London.
It is estimated that their cargo tonnage turnover in this region is well over 170,000 tonnes per annum.
Swissport’s activities on the African continent extend to more than 35 stations spread geographically from northern to southern Africa.
South Africa itself is considered to be the largest and most important country in its African handling network.
Dirk Schmitt to take over Germany and Austria
Peter Kohl’s replacement for Germany and Austria will be Dirk Schmitt.
Mr Schmitt who is 45 years of age comes from Luxair Cargo, Luxembourg, where he was Assistant Vice President of Business Administration.
He will officially take up his new position based in Frankfurt in March after a handover period by Mr Kohl during February.
John Mc Donagh
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