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Swiftair
Swiftair
from Wikipedia

Swiftair S.A. is an airline whose headquarters are in Madrid, Spain.[1] It operates scheduled and charter, passenger, and cargo flights in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Its main base is Madrid–Barajas Airport.

Key Information

History

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The airline was founded in 1986.[2] It wholly owns subsidiary Mediterranean Air Freight. Currently Swiftair is also a United Nations contractor for the United Nations Mission in Sudan.[citation needed]

Fleet

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Current fleet

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Swiftair ATR 72-200
Swiftair Boeing 737-300F
Swiftair Boeing 757-200PCF

As of August 2025, Swiftair operates the following aircraft:[3]


Swiftair fleet
Aircraft In
service
Orders Notes
Airbus A321-200P2F 3
ATR 42-300F 4
ATR 42-300QC 1
ATR 72-200F 6
ATR 72–500 3
ATR 72-500F 5
ATR 72-600F 4
Boeing 737-400SF 6 3 operating for DHL
Boeing 737-800BCF 3
Boeing 737-800BDSF 6 Operated for DHL
Boeing 757-200PCF 2
Boeing 757-200PF 1
Total 44

Former fleet

[edit]

Swiftair formerly operated the following aircraft:

A Swiftair Embraer EMB 120
Swiftair former fleet
Aircraft Total Introduced Retired Notes
Airbus A300B4F 1 2005 2006 Leased from European Air Transport
Boeing 727-200F 16 1999 2012
Boeing 737-300BDSF 5 2008 2016 One sold to Buffalo Airways in 2022
Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner 12 1990 2008 Three sold to Swiftair Hellas
Embraer 120 10 2023 Five sold to Swiftair Hellas
McDonnell Douglas MD-83 7 2005 2015 One involved in Air Algérie Flight 5017
McDonnell Douglas MD-87 1 2009 2010 Operated by the United Nations

Accidents and incidents

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  • In October 1994, one of its aircraft was written off when the crew forgot to lower the landing gear as the plane arrived in Madrid.[citation needed]
  • In May 1995, another aircraft was damaged beyond repair during a botched landing at Vitoria airport in Spain.[citation needed]
  • In 2005, a Boeing 727 operating for DHL sustained starboard wing damage during a botched landing in Kandahar. It was repaired over the next 2 days and returned to Bahrain.[citation needed]
  • In January 2012, a plane sustained substantial damage during a botched landing at Kandahar.[citation needed]
  • On 24 July 2014, a McDonnell Douglas MD-83 operated by the company performed scheduled flight AH5017 from Ouagadougou to Algiers for Algerian airline Air Algérie. The aircraft disappeared off radar 50 minutes after takeoff and crashed in Gossi, Mali, killing all 116 people on board.[4]
  • On 18 January 2016, an Embraer 120 freighter took out runway edge lights during its takeoff roll at Amsterdam Schiphol airport, on a flight to London Stansted. No injuries occurred.[citation needed]
  • On 17 November 2016, a Boeing 737–400, registration EC-MAD, was flying on behalf of EAT Leipzig out of Shannon Airport when the pilots reported shortly after liftoff that they had lost all instrumentation. The crew remained in visual contact with the airport and returned for a safe landing.[5]
  • On 24 September 2022, a Boeing 737-400SF, registration EC-NLS, experienced a runway excursion at Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport, France. After breaking through the barriers, the plane ended its journey in the waters of the Étang de l'Or. There were no injuries among the three crew members.[6]
  • On 25 November 2024, Swiftair Flight 5960, a Boeing 737–476(SF) registered as EC-MFE, crashed in Vilnius, Lithuania while on approach, killing one crew member and injuring three others.[7][8]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Swiftair S.A. is a Spanish headquartered at , specializing in cargo transportation for the express market and ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) wet-lease passenger services to other airlines and operators. Founded on January 26, 1986, as a small cargo operation linking Madrid to the in partnership with the Seur courier service, the company initially operated with limited capacity before expanding internationally. Under the leadership of Salvador Moreno González-Aller, who acquired the from Seur in 1996, Swiftair grew into one of Europe's leading providers of outsourced airfreight capacity, serving global integrators, mail organizations, and humanitarian missions, including as a contractor. The holds IATA code WT and ICAO code SWT. As of November 2025, Swiftair operates a fleet of 47 , including variants, ATR 72s, and freighters. In October 2025, infrastructure investment firm Antín Infrastructure Partners acquired a majority stake in Swiftair to support further expansion in the dedicated airfreight sector, building on its established role in overnight express and interline charters, such as domestic flights under the UEP!FLY brand. With over 1,350 employees and a majority-owned fleet, the company emphasizes safety, environmental policy compliance, and partnerships with entities like Swiftair Hellas in for regional cargo operations.

Company Profile

Founding and Ownership

Swiftair was founded on January 26, 1986, by the Seur courier service in , , initially as a small operation linking to the . The company evolved into a entity under the name Swiftair S.A., transitioning its primary operations toward transport and ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) services in the following years. Under Salvador Moreno's leadership since acquiring the airline from Seur in 1996, Swiftair expanded into a major provider of airfreight services. In 2025, French private equity firm acquired a majority stake in Swiftair Group, with the transaction expected to close in the fourth quarter; founder Salvador Moreno retained his role as CEO and a significant minority shareholding to guide ongoing strategic growth. The airline holds the IATA designator WT for commercial reservations and billing, and the ICAO identifier SWT for operational and purposes, facilitating its global recognition and coordination in the aviation industry.

Headquarters and Structure

Swiftair's primary is situated at Ingeniero Torres Quevedo 14, in the Fin de Semana Industrial Park, near Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) in , encompassing administrative offices and a state-of-the-art . This central location facilitates integrated operations, including , handling, and servicing, supporting the airline's role as a key player in European airfreight. The company maintains additional operational hubs and bases across and to ensure efficient network coverage, including a secondary , Swiftair Hellas (formerly Mediterranean Air Freight), based at in , as well as handling units in and . Line maintenance outstations are strategically positioned along primary routes in to minimize downtime and comply with regulatory requirements for ACMI (, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) services. Swiftair's organizational structure is headed by Salvador Moreno and features specialized departments for flight operations, technical and activities, ground operations, , compliance monitoring, and , enabling coordinated delivery of and services. These departments emphasize and efficiency, with operations certified under EASA Part 145 standards. As of October 2025, Swiftair employs over 1,350 individuals, including pilots, engineers, technicians, ground handling staff, and support personnel, reflecting its multinational footprint in and . The workforce is supported by a robust (SMS) that aligns with EASA regulations and international best practices for operational safety and environmental .

Operations

Cargo and ACMI Services

Swiftair specializes in express airfreight operations, focusing on the of time-sensitive parcels within the overnight express market across , , and the . The airline supports and general freight through its dedicated network, emphasizing reliability for high-priority shipments that require rapid delivery. Its services include scheduled flights and ad-hoc charters tailored to urgent needs, ensuring efficient handling of parcels and pallets. A key component of Swiftair's is its ACMI (Aircraft, , , and ) outsourcing services, where it leases fully operational aircraft packages to major clients such as Express, , UPS, and La Poste. These wet-lease arrangements allow clients to deploy dedicated capacity for express operations without managing their own fleets, with options for partial services like CMI (, , ) to suit specific requirements. Swiftair's ACMI contracts often involve customized flights, including co-load operations for shared cargo loads and scheduled charters for consistent routes. This model positions the airline as a leading European provider of outsourced airfreight solutions, handling diverse cargo such as general freight, perishables, pharmaceuticals, and heavy items through flexible configurations. Operationally, payload capacities vary by aircraft type to accommodate different shipment scales. For instance, its A321P2F freighters offer a maximum of 27,000 kg, supporting larger volumes of time-critical , while smaller ATR models handle regional loads up to about 7,500 kg. These capabilities underscore the 's role in scaling express logistics, with the fleet's versatility allowing for efficient ad-hoc responses to fluctuating demand. In terms of sustainability, Swiftair implements an that prioritizes pollution prevention, compliance with legal requirements, and the adoption of clean technologies to minimize operational impacts. The company conducts annual reviews of environmental objectives and provides employee training on eco-friendly practices, fostering continuous improvement in across its cargo and ACMI services.

Destinations and Partnerships

Swiftair operates an extensive network comprising 77 routes across more than 45 countries, with a primary focus on , , and the . The airline's services emphasize major European cargo hubs such as , , and , alongside intra-Spanish routes that support domestic logistics needs. This network underscores Swiftair's strategic emphasis on the and the Mediterranean region, where it facilitates efficient connectivity for time-sensitive freight. Key partnerships form the backbone of Swiftair's operations, including long-term contracts with leading integrators such as for European mail and parcel flights, as well as services for , UPS, and La Poste. represents Swiftair's largest ACMI customer, enabling dedicated capacity for express cargo across the continent. These alliances leverage Swiftair's expertise in outsourced airfreight to support blue-chip clients with mission-critical solutions. Swiftair's route portfolio encompasses scheduled flights, wet-lease (ACMI) operations, and seasonal charters tailored to fluctuating in the express market. Following its majority acquisition by in 2025, the airline is positioned to execute an accelerated growth plan, potentially incorporating new routes into emerging markets to broaden its global footprint.

History

Establishment and Early Expansion

Swiftair was founded on January 26, 1986, in , , by the courier company Seur as a small cargo operation linking to the , initially carrying 2 tons of cargo using limited capacity aircraft. In 1996, Salvador Moreno acquired the from Seur, becoming its CEO and owner, which marked the beginning of significant expansion. The company operated as a private focused on services, supporting networks for integrators and other carriers from its base at . During its formative years under Seur and early ownership by Moreno, Swiftair concentrated on domestic operations in , gradually building a presence in the European market amid the country's economic integration into the following its 1986 accession. The airline encountered regulatory hurdles typical of the era's liberalizing Spanish sector, including adaptations to new EU standards for air operations and safety. services were introduced in the 1990s alongside to meet rising demand for express freight. Through the 1990s, Swiftair achieved steady expansion under Moreno's leadership, increasing its fleet size and extending services to international destinations in and . Key early fleet additions included Fairchild Swearingen Metroliners, with up to 12 units in service by 1990, supporting regional cargo routes. This growth reflected broader economic recovery in during the decade, though the airline navigated challenges from fluctuating fuel costs and competitive pressures in the cargo market. By 2000, the fleet had diversified to include EMB-120 Brasilia and 737-300 types, totaling over 20 aircraft and solidifying its role in cargo sectors.

Growth and Modern Developments

In the 2000s, Swiftair expanded its operations beyond core cargo services by entering the ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, , and Insurance) market, enabling it to provide flexible capacity to global integrators. This strategic shift allowed the airline to secure long-standing contracts with major players, including , for which it became a key operator of converted freighters such as the 737-800SF. By leveraging its base, Swiftair grew its European network, focusing on time-sensitive express freight routes to support and demands. To support regional operations, it established Mediterranean Air Freight in 2000 as a for and international ventures in . During the 2010s, Swiftair undertook significant fleet modernization efforts, transitioning from older aircraft like the and ATR 42 to more efficient models including the and 737-400SF, which improved and capacity for intra-European and trans-Mediterranean operations. This period saw the airline's route network expand substantially, reaching over 50 destinations by 2015, driven by increased demand for ad-hoc charters and scheduled cargo services in and the . These developments positioned Swiftair as a reliable partner for postal services and express carriers, contributing to steady operational scaling without major disruptions. The 2020s brought challenges and opportunities, particularly during the , when Swiftair adapted by prioritizing essential cargo transport, including medical supplies and equipment across , aligning with industry-wide efforts to maintain supply chains. In 2024, the airline introduced its first A321P2F freighters through leases from , with deliveries in April and June, enhancing its narrowbody capabilities for high-density routes. As of November 2025, Swiftair operates three A321P2F freighters and continues fleet enhancements with additional conversions to support expanded ACMI commitments. Financially, the company has experienced robust revenue growth, reflecting increased contract volumes and operational efficiency, though exact figures remain proprietary. A pivotal development occurred in October 2025, when acquired a majority stake (approximately 70%) in Swiftair, with the transaction set to close in Q4 2025. This investment, led by Antin's Mid Cap Fund I, aims to accelerate expansion in sustainable practices—such as adopting fuel-efficient aircraft and exploring biofuels—and digital solutions, including advanced tracking and optimization tools. Founder Salvador Moreno will retain a significant minority stake and continue as CEO, ensuring continuity while enabling further fleet enhancements and in and beyond. The partnership underscores Swiftair's evolution into a more integrated provider amid rising volumes.

Fleet

Current Fleet

As of October 2025, Swiftair operates a fleet of 49 , with an average age of 25.3 years. The composition emphasizes converted narrowbody freighters suitable for cargo and ACMI operations, alongside regional turboprops for hybrid passenger-cargo roles. Most aircraft are maintained in-house at the airline's Barajas facilities, with the majority owned outright and a portion leased from providers such as . The fleet's core consists of freighters, including 4 and 11 dedicated to short-haul . The 737-400SF freighters feature CFM56-3 engines and offer a maximum of around 20 tons across a of approximately 130 m³. The 737-800 freighters, also powered by CFM56 engines, provide similar payloads with enhanced efficiency. Complementing these are 3 aircraft for medium-haul services, powered by engines and capable of carrying up to 30 tons of in a of 164 m³. In 2025, Swiftair expanded its A321-200P2F holdings by adding two converted freighters, bringing the total to 3 units, including the 2008-built aircraft bearing manufacturer's 3749 (EC-OPB). These passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions, leased from and equipped with CFM56-5B engines, provide a main deck cargo volume of 236 m³ and a of up to 27 tons, enhancing capacity for and express cargo. Regional operations are supported by 20 ATR 42/72 variants (4 ATR 42 and 16 ), configured as freighters or quick-change (QC) hybrids for mixed passenger-cargo use. These turboprops, powered by PW120 engines, have a maximum takeoff weight of 22,000 kg and a payload of about 8 tons in 75 m³ of cargo volume.
Aircraft TypeNumberConfigurationEnginesTypical Payload
Boeing 737-400SF4Freighter (short-haul cargo)CFM56-320 tons
Boeing 737-800 BDSF/BCF11Freighter (short-haul cargo)CFM56-5B20 tons
Boeing 757-200PCF/SF3Freighter (medium-haul cargo)30 tons
Airbus A321-200P2F3Freighter (P2F conversion)CFM56-5B27 tons
ATR 42/7220Freighter/QC hybrid (regional)PW1208 tons

Former Fleet

Swiftair's former fleet encompasses a range of types phased out over the years, primarily due to escalating costs, reduced compared to newer models, and the need to meet evolving regulatory standards on noise and emissions. Since its establishment in , the has operated approximately 90 in total, with 44 listed as historic or retired as of November 2025. Key retired types include the McDonnell Douglas MD-83, of which Swiftair operated seven from the until their full retirement by , driven by the aircraft's age and operational inefficiencies. The Boeing 737-300 freighters, numbering eight in the fleet during the to , were phased out in the late amid similar economic pressures; notable sales included transfers to operators such as . Seven 737-400s served from the into the before retirement, largely attributable to high maintenance demands. Earlier in its history, Swiftair utilized ten aircraft during the and for regional operations, which were retired as the shifted focus to larger capacities. The ATR 42 variants, with two units operated until around 2004, were retired due to their advanced age exceeding 34 years. Nine ATR 72s were in service from the until some retirements post-2020, often involving parking for maintenance or economic reasons. Additionally, a single A300B4 operated briefly in the mid- before retirement in 2005. These retirements contributed to fleet reductions in the 2010s and 2020s through sales, write-offs, and conversions, enabling a transition to more modern, efficient aircraft types.
Aircraft TypeQuantityPeriod of OperationPrimary Retirement Reasons
McDonnell Douglas MD-8371990s–2020Age, efficiency, economic factors
Boeing 737-30081990s–2020High maintenance costs, sales to operators
Boeing 737-40072000s–2010sMaintenance demands, regulatory compliance
Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia101990s–2000sShift to larger aircraft, age
ATR 4221990s–2004Advanced age (>34 years)
ATR 7292000s–2024Parking/maintenance issues, post-2020 economic factors
Airbus A300B412000sOperational inefficiencies, retired 2005

Safety Record

Major Accidents

On July 24, 2014, Swiftair's McDonnell Douglas MD-83, registered EC-LTV and operating as Flight AH5017, crashed in the Gossi region of while en route from , , to , . The aircraft, carrying 110 passengers and 6 crew members, encountered , including a , leading to an in-flight loss of control approximately 50 minutes after takeoff. All 116 people on board perished in the accident, which was the deadliest aviation disaster in 's history. The French Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses pour la sécurité de l'aviation civile (BEA) led the investigation, with participation from Spanish authorities including the Comisión de Investigación de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviación (CIAIAC). The final BEA report, released in 2016, determined that the crash resulted from ice crystal icing in the (EPR) sensors during weather deviation, causing erroneous high thrust indications and a gradual autopilot-induced pitch-up, leading to a . , stemming from prior complaints about excessive workloads and scheduling, contributed to delayed recognition of the and inappropriate recovery actions, including procedural errors in responding to the speed decay and warnings. The report recommended enhanced on high-altitude icing phenomena, improved systems, and better communication protocols to mitigate similar risks. In 2017, French authorities charged Swiftair with involuntary for inadequate and oversight, a case that continued to face legal backlash from victims' families into 2025, including a by the Court of Justice of the (CJEU) on April 3, 2025, dismissing Swiftair's jurisdictional challenge and allowing proceedings to continue, amid ongoing civil proceedings. On November 25, 2024, Swiftair's 737-400SF freighter, registered EC-MFE and operating as Flight QY5960 for , crashed short of 19 at Vilnius International Airport, , during a flight from , . The aircraft struck a two-story residential building approximately 1,600 meters from the runway threshold, resulting in the of the and serious injuries to the first officer; no ground injuries were reported despite the impact igniting a fire in the structure. Lithuanian investigators, supported by the CIAIAC and the U.S. , released an interim report in April 2025 attributing the crash to involving the inadvertent deactivation of the B hydraulic system and anti-ice switch during approach, which prevented flap extension and led to insufficient lift at low speed. The crew's misconfiguration, possibly exacerbated by distraction or procedural oversight, caused the aircraft to descend rapidly and collide with terrain. Preliminary findings emphasized the need for reinforced adherence and simulator training on hydraulic system failures, with full systemic recommendations pending the final report.

Other Incidents

On September 24, 2022, Swiftair 737-400SF freighter EC-NLS, operating a mail flight from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport as flight SWN5745 for , overran runway 12L after a long landing in heavy rain and windshear conditions. The aircraft touched down approximately 1,200 meters from the runway threshold at high speed, failed to decelerate sufficiently due to an and lack of windshear detection by the crew, and came to a stop with its nose gear partially submerged in a nearby lake after overrunning by about 200 meters. No injuries occurred among the three crew members, who evacuated safely, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage and was later repaired. The French Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Safety (BEA) final report, released in May 2025, identified procedural lapses including inadequate approach stabilization, failure to despite exceeding landing parameters, and insufficient monitoring of airspeed and wind conditions as contributing factors. In a separate event on October 31, 2023, Swiftair ATR 42-300F EC-IVP, performing cargo flight WT1907 from Ostrava-Leos Janacka Airport, experienced a right engine fire shortly after takeoff during climb to FL120. The crew, consisting of two pilots, reported the issue, shut down the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW120 engine, and executed a U-turn for an emergency return, landing safely on runway 22 approximately 17 minutes after departure without further incident or injuries. The aircraft was grounded for inspection, with the affected engine removed and sent to Canada for detailed examination; preliminary findings pointed to a potential maintenance-related anomaly in the engine's fire detection or suppression system, though the full BEA investigation, ongoing as of late 2025, emphasized the crew's effective emergency response. Throughout the and early , Swiftair encountered several minor non-fatal incidents, including runway excursions and mechanical anomalies on variants. For instance, on January 12, 2023, a Swiftair experienced a leak en route to , prompting a safe diversion and precautionary shutdown of affected systems, with no injuries reported. Similarly, on December 11, 2022, another suffered hydraulic issues during operations at , leading to an uneventful return flight after in-flight diagnostics. strikes and low-severity excursions, such as a 2014 in-flight engine shutdown on an MD-83 at without impact to safety, also occurred sporadically. On September 30, 2025, a Swiftair 737-800 performed an unstable on approach to Runway 15 at Basel-Mulhouse Airport but landed safely approximately 15 minutes later without injuries or further incident. Following these events, the (EASA) conducted targeted audits of Swiftair's operations, focusing on maintenance protocols and crew training for adverse weather and system failures. These reviews, initiated post-2022 and 2023 incidents, resulted in mandated enhancements to Swiftair's , including expanded simulator training for windshear recognition and hydraulic emergency procedures, as verified through subsequent compliance certifications. No major regulatory sanctions were imposed, reflecting the airline's proactive implementation of recommendations from BEA and national authorities.

References

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