Brussels Airport Company Unveils New Ground Handling Licenses

Brussels Airport is shaking things up! With ground handling services like baggage and catering transport managed by external providers, the airport is gearing up for a big change. As the licenses for five key categories are set too expire in October 2025, a selection process kicked off in early 2024 to find new service partners.

The Brussels Airport Company has already awarded new licenses across all restricted categories, each valid for seven years. This time around, sustainability took center stage during the selection process, with an emphasis on electrification. This initiative aligns with Brussels Airport’s aspiring plan to transition all ground operations to electric power—a mission bolstered by funding from the European Commission through its BREEZE program.

With current licenses expiring soon, the airport began its search for service providers back in mid-February 2024. Only a select few operators can hold these licenses due to restrictions.

A notable win was Gate Gourmet Belgium NV securing a license in December for catering transport. However, since they where the only candidate that met requirements and at least two handlers are needed here, another round of selections is underway for an additional provider.

on March 27th, decisions were made regarding four other categories of services.The following companies have been chosen and will hold their licenses from late October 2025 until October 2032:

• Baggage handling: Aviapartner Belgium NV and Alyzia SAS
• Ramp handling (passenger aircraft): Aviapartner Belgium NV and Alyzia SAS
• Ramp handling (freighter aircraft): Aviapartner cargo NV,dnata NV and Menzies Aviation Holding Limited
• Cargo transport: Aviapartner Cargo NV,Alyzia SAS and dnata NV

Sustainability Takes Center Stage

The evaluation of proposals was based on objective criteria that ensure safe and high-quality ground services while adhering to current regulations.

Sustainability was also front-of-mind during evaluations—especially when it came to electrifying vehicles used on-site. The airport’s environmental permit mandates that by 2030 at least 80% of airside vehicles must be electric or zero-emission alternatives.

A Collaborative Approach Towards Electrification

This push towards electrification isn’t something service providers can tackle alone; Brussels Airport Company plays a vital role as an enabler in this transition.

Around half of the approximately 600 airside vehicles—mostly operated by external partners—are already electric! To further boost this shift towards greener operations, brussels Airport secured €7.2 million from the European Commission under its BREEZE initiative (‘Brussels Airport Electrification for Zero Emissions’). by December 2027 alone, over 300 charging stations will be installed using a decentralized approach aimed at maximizing energy efficiency while minimizing heavy vehicle movement around the site. Plus, there’s also plans to provide electricity directly to stationary aircraft!

“Through our BREEZE program we’re not just aiming high—we want Brussels Airport to lead as a sustainability pioneer,” says Arnaud Feist CEO of Brussels Airport.” We’re committed not only to decarbonizing our own operations but also empowering ground handlers and airlines alike.”