DHL Supply Chain has been appointed as the ground handling partner for SAS Scandinavian Airlines at Manchester Airport under a new three-year agreement, strengthening DHL’s presence in the UK aviation services market.
Under the partnership, DHL will support up to five SAS flights a day, covering services connecting the UK with Scandinavia and SAS’s wider international network. The ground handling contract includes baggage operations, customer service, aircraft loading, dispatch and pushback.
Rapid 30-day mobilisation
DHL completed the mobilisation of the new operation in just 30 days, allowing the service to begin while maintaining operational continuity. The company said the rapid deployment demonstrates the agility and aviation expertise of its UK teams in establishing safety-critical airport operations within a short timeframe.
David Johnson, Interim Managing Director of Healthcare & Specialist Logistics at DHL Supply Chain UKI, said the partnership reinforces the importance of reliable ground handling to airline performance. DHL will focus on delivering safe, efficient and consistent services for SAS and its passengers.
Manchester becomes key SAS gateway
For SAS, Manchester Airport is an important gateway connecting customers across the UK with Scandinavia and the airline’s broader international network. The carrier operates hubs at Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm, serving more than 25 million passengers annually across approximately 135 destinations. SAS also transports around 55,000 tonnes of cargo each year.
Hans Henrik Spangenberg, Managing Director of SAS Ground Handling International, said DHL’s operational expertise and ability to establish the operation quickly had supported a smooth transition.
The agreement expands DHL’s role in UK airport ground handling and follows its broader efforts to grow its aviation services business. The company has also secured ground handling work for Air France-KLM at London Gatwick, highlighting its expanding presence in outsourced airline ground operations.
Boost for DHL’s aviation services
The SAS contract gives DHL responsibility for several critical stages of aircraft turnaround at Manchester Airport. Efficient baggage handling, aircraft loading, dispatch and pushback are essential to maintaining airline schedules and minimising delays.
For DHL, the agreement represents an opportunity to apply its wider logistics and supply-chain expertise to airport operations. The three-year partnership is expected to strengthen the company’s position as an aviation services provider in the UK while supporting SAS’s growing network from Manchester.
The deal also highlights the increasing role of specialised third-party providers in airline ground operations, as carriers seek reliable partners capable of delivering consistent service while managing complex airport processes.