Auckland getting private jet HQ as Swissport unit, SO Capital team up

Auckland will be the hub for a Pacific premium air travel venture.

PrivatPort, Swissport’s executive aviation unit, has signed a deal today with Auckland-based private equity firm SO Capital.

The deal could make business and premium air travel into and around New Zealand and the region easier.

That might involve executives from global firms and other travellers who want a tailor-made trip involving regional centres or multiple destinations.

A goal is to help travellers move through customs and biosecurity quickly, and potentially have the same crew for a bespoke itinerary throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.

The companies said the joint venture would provide consistent service standards for operators between Europe, North America, the Asia-Pacific region and elsewhere.

Zurich-based Swissport provides aviation services including ground and cargo handling.

PrivatPort provides ground-handling expertise for VIP passengers, crews, and private jets, and advice or support for traffic rights and landing permits.

SO Capital founder Shah Aslam already has aviation interests, including through private jet, freight and charter operator Air Napier, which he owns.

Air Napier will become the first New Zealand fixed-base operator to join PrivatPort.

Air Napier in 2024 was granted a special licence to clear customs in Hawke’s Bay and run direct international flights.

SO Capital and PrivatPort said the deal meant Air Napier would become part of a global network supporting private aircraft flights.

Aslam and PrivatPort global chief executive Josua Hildbrand are expected to sign the deal today.

“Demand for premium and executive travel continues to grow,” Hildbrand said.

The joint-venture partners would build a premium executive network across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific, he said.

Aslam said that given the size of the region, the decision to establish the partnership’s Asia-Pacific headquarters in Auckland was significant.

“Auckland Airport is New Zealand’s link to the world and a gateway to the Pacific region,” he said.

He said SO Capital’s aviation expertise and New Zealand’s trusted regulatory environment made an ideal platform to support international operators while expanding aviation services across Oceania.

The companies said teaming up provided the regional insight and investment capability needed to support demand and drive growth in the sector.

Air Napier has a fleet of five aircraft, including the Cessna Citation Mustang twinjet, which carries four passengers.

Through partners and brokers, it also has access to other aircraft.

Those include the 68-seater ATR 72 turboprop, Dassault Falcon 2000 twinjet, and the 50-seater De Havilland Canada Dash 8 turboprop (Q300).

Other aircraft it uses include an eight-seater Citation and an Airbus B3E helicopter.

SO Capital’s portfolio includes Ocean Flyer, a seaglider company established to provide sustainable, fully electric coastal travel.

Some electric wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) craft start journeys with the hull in the water, floating.

As they accelerate, some models use hydrofoils to lift the hull clear of the water to cut drag and, at high speed, the wings generate enough lift to fly.

Swissport said its 2025 revenue was €3.9 billion ($7.7b) with most of that coming from ground services.

John Weekes is a business journalist covering aviation. He previously covered consumer affairs, crime, politics and courts.