Until now, three companies were responsible for ground handling at Düsseldorf Airport. But now AAS has taken over the local branch of Acciona. The employees did not know anything.
There were strikes at Düsseldorf Airport in January 2023. The reason: The Ministry of Transport of North Rhine-Westphalia previously announced which companies would take over the ground handling services from 1 April: Acciona Airport Services Düsseldorf, Wisag Aviation Contracting Düsseldorf and AAS Deutschland. After more than 20 years, Aviapartner, the airport’s largest operator until then, was no more.
But Acciona, Wisag and AAS took on Aviapartner’s employees. AAS even formed a joint venture with the retired top dog. The handling situation eased.
“Tasks and responsibilities remain unchanged”
Now comes the next big change: AAS is taking over the Düsseldorf branch of the Spanish company Acciona. In an AAS letter obtained by aeroTELEGRAPH, boss Dieter Streuli and operations manager Cüneyt Gökcöl wrote: “We are pleased to be able to inform you that we as AAS have taken over Acciona Airport Services Düsseldorf. Welcome as a new member of the AAS community.”
AAS managers explain: “Your day-to-day tasks and responsibilities remain unchanged, and we are working together to make the transition as smooth as possible.” Streuli and Gökcöl ensure that the employment contracts remain in force. AAS is the abbreviation for Airline Assistance Switzerland.
Airport: No impact on operations
Düsseldorf Airport confirms the takeover upon request from aeroTELEGRAPH, but refers to the companies involved for details. According to an airport spokesperson, this has not affected operations at the airport, and the start of the summer holidays has gone smoothly so far. AAS and Acciona did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Acciona’s criticism comes from Verdi. “Acciona completely hid the takeover from the workforce,” says union secretary Özay Tarim. AAS informed the employees on Wednesday (July 11) – after the takeover was completed. Acciona previously had nothing to show for it, but announced growth.
AAS so far without a collective agreement
According to Tarim, AAS previously had around 200 employees in Düsseldorf and was therefore much smaller than Acciona with around 650 employees. In addition, unlike AAS, Acciona would have a collective agreement. Secretary Verdi therefore demands from AAS: “The current collective bargaining agreements and employment contracts of the employees must be fully taken into account and adhered to.”
AAS is headquartered in Zurich. It has a branch in Vienna, Austria, and also has a Spanish subsidiary in Palma de Mallorca and German branches in Düsseldorf, Hamburg and Frankfurt.