Aviator Airport Alliance, part of Avia Solutions Group, has clinched a long-term ground handling contract with Lufthansa Group covering three Norwegian airports. The deal, which includes de-icing services, will see Aviator manage approximately 1,760 aircraft turnarounds per year across Bergen, Trondheim and Tromsø.
The phased rollout begins on 1 February 2027 at Bergen Airport, followed by Trondheim on 28 March and Tromsø on 1 April. This marks a significant expansion for Aviator in the Nordic region, building on a similar agreement with Lufthansa Group at Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport in Sweden.
Strategic Nordic growth
Peter Stackeryd, Managing Director at Aviator in Norway, said the contract is a strong endorsement of the company's operational standards. “To win the contract with Lufthansa Group in Norway is a strong endorsement and a recognition of our teams and the standards we uphold across our stations,” he commented.
Aviator currently operates at 15 airports across the Nordics, providing passenger and baggage handling, cargo and freight services, and station services. Its airline clients include SAS, Norwegian, Icelandair, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Finnair, Air France-KLM and Turkish Airlines.
The new agreement underscores Aviator's growing presence in the aviation services sector. Avia Solutions Group, its parent, is recognised as the world's largest ACMI provider, with operations spanning six continents. The group's expansion into ground handling complements its broader aviation services portfolio.
For Lufthansa Group, the move consolidates its ground handling partnerships in Norway, ensuring consistent service quality across its network. The contract also highlights the increasing trend of airlines outsourcing ground operations to specialised providers.
Industry observers note that such long-term agreements are becoming more common as carriers seek cost efficiencies and reliable service delivery. Aviator's ability to secure this deal reflects its competitive positioning in the Nordic market.
With the start date still over a year away, Aviator will focus on preparation and staff training to ensure a smooth transition. The company's experience in Sweden will likely inform its approach in Norway.
This development comes amid broader changes in airport ground handling, where technology and efficiency are key. For more on airport technology strategies, see advice on defining tech goals. Additionally, the expansion of ACMI services is a trend worth watching, as highlighted by BBN Airlines Indonesia's IATA membership.
Aviator's win in Norway is a clear signal of its ambitions in the region. As the aviation industry continues to recover and grow, such partnerships will be crucial for both airlines and ground handlers.
