Swissport has expanded its partnership with China Eastern Airlines to deliver integrated ground handling and air cargo services in Melbourne, strengthening one of the Asia-Pacific’s key freight corridors.
Under the agreement, Swissport will provide a full suite of airport services at Melbourne Airport, including cargo handling, ramp operations and aircraft cleaning, alongside passenger services.
The deal builds on the companies’ existing collaboration in Shanghai Pudong International Airport, a major global cargo hub.
The partnership is expected to enhance operational coordination and reliability across the Melbourne–Shanghai route, which plays a critical role in trade between Australia and China.
Strengthening a key air cargo route
Shanghai Pudong handled around four million tonnes of cargo in 2025, while China Eastern transports approximately 19,500 tonnes annually on the Shanghai–Melbourne corridor.
Melbourne is a major export gateway for Australian goods, particularly fresh produce, seafood and pharmaceuticals, while also supporting growing inbound volumes linked to e-commerce demand from China.
Swissport said its Melbourne cargo facilities include specialised cold-chain infrastructure and pharmaceutical handling capabilities, aimed at ensuring the safe transport of temperature-sensitive and high-value shipments.
Brad Moore, chief executive for Asia-Pacific at Swissport, said the agreement would support China Eastern’s international growth while improving service consistency across both passenger and cargo operations.
Integrated operations and training
To support the launch, Swissport staff in Melbourne underwent training at China Eastern’s headquarters in Shanghai, focusing on operational procedures, safety protocols and service standards.
The companies said this would enable closer alignment across ground handling and cargo processes, improving efficiency and turnaround times.
The partnership also marks the expansion of Swissport’s “Cabin Care” services to Melbourne, integrating aircraft cleaning with broader turnaround operations through a cross-trained workforce.
Expanding Asia-Pacific cargo network
The move forms part of Swissport’s wider expansion across the Asia-Pacific region, including its involvement in a digital cargo terminal project at Shanghai Pudong.
China Eastern operates up to 14 weekly flights between Shanghai and Melbourne during the low season, rising to 17 during peak months, alongside additional services linking Melbourne with other Chinese cities.
Swissport said the strengthened partnership would support rising demand for integrated cargo and ground handling services, as airlines and logistics providers seek greater efficiency across international supply chains.