dnata, KLM and Viggo selected for new ground handling model at Schiphol
Schiphol is set to reorganise the handling of baggage and aircraft. In doing so, the airport aims to improve cooperation, working conditions and the services provided to airlines and travellers. This also means that the number of contractors will be reduced from six to three. In the provisional award of the new contracts, Schiphol has selected dnata, KLM and Viggo.
These three companies scored highest on five pre-defined qualitative criteria, including service provision, employment practices and collaboration. The parties will be required to share equipment more frequently and to invest further in sustainability.
The selection of these three ground handling providers marks the end of the current open market. These companies will be granted a seven-year concession to provide baggage and aircraft handling services at Schiphol, and they will enter into contracts with airlines themselves.
We are taking this step forward for our employees, travellers and 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. It provides employees with the pleasant working environment they need to deliver top performance every day because that is exactly what they do. And it enables us to set clear requirements for parties operating at the airport. Under the old model, with an open market, that wasn't really possible. We're now breaking away from that.
Transition period for employees
The transition period following a tender process is a tense and demanding time for employees who are moving to a new employer. The airport, the trade union and ground handling companies are paying close attention to this. No jobs will be lost at Schiphol as a result of this tender. The aim is to support employees in moving from one job to another, whilst maintaining their terms and conditions of employment. To make this possible, solid agreements have been reached between the ground handling employers’ association (WPBL) and the FNV trade union.
Final award
This tender follows a decision by the Minister for Infrastructure and Water Management to regulate the ground handling market at Schiphol. The final award is expected in the third quarter of 2026. This will be followed by a transition period. Schiphol expects airlines to have concluded contracts with ground handling providers by the end of 2026, so that employees will have the necessary clarity by early 2027. The new partnerships will commence in the second quarter of 2027.