Vienna Airport’s new ground handler can start despite challenge

Joint Sky Services GmbH can begin ground-handling operations at Vienna Airport on October 25, despite a challenge to the licence award, Austria’s Federal Administrative Court ruled on Thursday, ORF reported. The decision allows the company to start “for now” while the court considers the case.

The court upheld the transport ministry’s decision that the complaints would not suspend the licence award. It cited Vienna Airport’s interest, saying the airport would otherwise have to step in as a replacement ground handler under the law. The court has yet to examine the merits of the new tender.

Two of the four unsuccessful bidders appealed the award to Joint Sky Services, a company founded three days before the original tender deadline.

Until October 24, Airline Assistance Switzerland AG will continue handling aircraft on the apron alongside Vienna Airport. AAS serves about two dozen of the airport’s roughly 65 airlines, including Turkish Airlines and IAG carriers Iberia and British Airways.

Uncertainty initially surrounded the future of AAS’s approximately 360 employees after the licence was awarded to Joint Sky Services. The new provider later said it intended to retain the workforce.

Before AAS, Turkish service provider Celebi held the licence. It had to give it up early in 2020 after the court found the award process to be flawed. EU rules require airports above a certain size to have a second ground-handling provider, giving airlines an alternative to using the airport operator.