Swissport is to withdraw ground handling operations at Gatwick Airport, which have been taken on by Aviator.

The two firms have signed a binding agreement for the transfer of operations and the transaction will become effective on 9 November 2015 and is including ground handling related assets, contracts and staff.

Both companies will work closely together to ensure a smooth transition.

Swissport explains it has successfully restructured its operations at Gatwick after a difficult trading period in summer 2014 with a number of operational issues, and since then continued to meet and exceed its operational delivery targets.

The company says: “Nevertheless, following the recent loss of tender with British Airways and the completion of a thorough business review, Swissport has taken the decision to withdraw from providing ground handling services at London Gatwick.

“No other locations in the UK are affected. The employees at London Gatwick and the customers of Swissport LGW have been informed.”

Swissport Cargo Services, Aspire Lounges, Flightcare Multiservices and Airport Agencies remain unaffected by this decision and will continue to operate at Gatwick.

The Swissport business in the UK remains a key part of the Swissport Group, having recently been enlarged with the acquisition of Servisair in December 2013.