Universal Weather and Aviation and Swissport International have formed a joint venture to operate a new ground handling facility in Nice, France.

Effective February 1, 2001, the two companies will manage Swissport Executive Nice, a facility specifically targeted for private and business aircraft at the Cote d'Azur Airport (LFMN) in Nice, France.

As an independent affiliate of Universal’s Worldwide Service Network, Swissport Executive Nice will offer operators flying into the city a choice for private aircraft handling agents and will deliver a full range of customised services.Nadhem Tounsi, former operations manager for Universal's office at Le Bourget Airport, Paris, will manage the new Swissport Executive operations at Nice.

Tounsi, who is multilingual, brings with him 10 years’ business aviation experience.

“I am extremely excited about this new facility,” said Tounsi. “Nice is a growing commercial airport and the new Swissport Executive Nice team will be ensuring that business aircraft passengers get to and from their aircraft as quickly as possible in comfort and style. Dedicated Swissport Executive Nice professionals will guarantee all crews’ post-arrival and pre-departure needs are met quickly and accurately.”

From the first day of operation, the Swissport Executive Nice facility has promised to have the necessary staff and equipment to meet the needs of all sizes of business aircraft, including the B747.

“This joint venture gives Swissport the opportunity to enter the fast growing market of business- and leisure-related flight operations. Nice is a significant first step and further stations focusing on business travel will follow,” explained Joseph In Albon, Swissport International ceo.

Universal Weather and Aviation head of marketing for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Jonathan Howells, says he’s confident that the global status of Swissport International will complement Universal’s reputation for providing first-rate flight support services. “We are delighted to work with the Swissport Executive team. Universal already supports many clients operating to the Cote d'Azur for business and pleasure.

“We have no doubt that Swissport Executive will quickly bring a new style, an enhanced level of quality services and customer satisfaction for operators flying to Nice.”