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Auckland Becomes the Home of PrivatPort's APAC Expansion
SO Capital and PrivatPort announce Joint Venture to deliver premium Executive Aviation services across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific from Auckland HQ.
A new Joint Venture between global premium executive aviation services leader PrivatPort and New Zealand investment firm SO Capital is set to drive growth and consistency in premium executive travel across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
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PrivatPort is a global division of Swissport International AG, which has been providing premium executive aviation services, including ground handling, Fixed Base operator (FBO) services and premium passenger experience for over 25 years. It currently operates in more than 70 locations across four continents.
New Zealand investment firm SO Capital already has a strong interest in the aviation sector here in New Zealand, with a portfolio that includes regional operator Air Napier and next-generation maritime transport Ocean Flyer.
The partnership, signed today by PrivatPort global CEO Josua Hildbrand and SO Capital CEO Shah Aslam, brings together the premium aviation heritage, regional insight and investment capability required to support demand and drive further growth in executive travel throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
Given the breadth of the region, Shah says the decision to establish the partnership’s APAC headquarters in Auckland is significant.
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“Auckland Airport is New Zealand’s link to the world and a gateway to the Pacific region. This, allied to our strong aviation expertise and trusted regulatory environment, gives us the ideal platform to support international operators while driving the expansion of aviation services throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.”
For Hildbrand, the signing of the Joint Venture is just the beginning of what he expects to be an exciting period of growth.
“Demand for premium and executive travel continues to grow - and now together with our partners SO Capital, we look forward to building a premium executive network across New Zealand and the wider Australia-Pacific region.”
The partnership will see Air Napier in Napier, Hawke’s Bay, become the first New Zealand FBO to join PrivatPort, representing another major milestone in its evolution from regional to internationally connected aviation operator. Air Napier will now become part of a worldwide network that supports thousands of private aircraft movements each year, providing consistent service standards for operators travelling between Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific and beyond.
About PrivatPort
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PrivatPort is Swissport’s premium executive aviation brand, delivering world-class ground handling services for VIP passengers, flight crews and private jet operators. Operating through nine Fixed Base Operations (FBOs) and more than 70 locations across four continents, PrivatPort combines premium customer service with global operational expertise to provide seamless executive aviation solutions worldwide.
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About SO Capital
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SO Capital is a New Zealand private investment company focused on investing in and growing businesses with long-term potential. Its portfolio includes Air Napier, a regional aviation operator; Ocean Flyer, advancing next-generation maritime transport; and MediCross, an integrated healthcare provider. Combining strategic capital with operational expertise, SO Capital partners with ambitious businesses to accelerate sustainable growth and create lasting value for investors, customers and the communities they serve.
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