Swissport Takes Majority Control of CV Handling in Landmark Cabo Verde Aviation Deal

In a transformative move for Cabo Verde’s aviation sector, Swissport has officially acquired a 51% majority stake in CV Handling, the country’s sole licensed airport ground-handling operator, marking a decisive shift toward private sector-led airport services and signaling growing international investor confidence in the archipelago’s infrastructure. The deal, announced by Airports and Air Safety (ASA) on August 13, 2026, concludes a structured divestment and partner selection process that began in 2024.

ASA framed the transaction as part of a broader strategy to modernize aviation services and bring international operational standards into Cabo Verde’s national airport system, with Swissport’s expertise expected to enhance efficiency, safety, and service quality across the country’s seven airports. The selection of Swissport followed a competitive process aimed at identifying a strategic partner capable of driving long-term growth in Cabo Verde’s aviation sector.

In a move to ensure domestic participation and shared benefits, ASA has built an element of local ownership into the transaction: up to 10% of CV Handling’s equity will be offered to Cabo Verdean workers and emigrants, with up to 5% reserved for employees and at least 5% earmarked for the diaspora. This inclusive approach underscores the government’s commitment to broad-based economic participation even as it opens critical infrastructure to foreign investment.

The Swissport acquisition is already being cited as a catalyst for wider investor interest in Cabo Verde’s aviation and tourism infrastructure, positioning the islands as a strategic hub for transatlantic and African connectivity. For your business section, this story offers a compelling narrative of modernization, international partnership, and inclusive growth—key themes that resonate with both local and international readers.