Route Development
Unifi Aviation Expands into Europe with Dutch Handler Viggo Acquisition
Unifi Aviation acquires Dutch ground handler Viggo, expanding into continental Europe and gaining proprietary technology for aviation services.
This article is based on an official press release from Unifi Aviation.
Unifi Aviation, the largest ground handling provider in North America, has officially announced its expansion into the continental European market through the acquisition of Viggo, a Netherlands-based aviation services company. The transaction, announced on January 29, 2026, marks a significant milestone in Unifi’s global growth strategy, moving the company beyond its established strongholds in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
According to the company’s announcement, the deal brings Viggo’s 50-plus years of experience and approximately 1,300 employees under the Unifi umbrella. While the financial terms of the acquisition remain undisclosed, the strategic intent is clear: Unifi is leveraging Viggo’s specialized market position to establish a foothold in the competitive European aviation sector.
Unifi Aviation, part of the Argenbright Group, currently reports annual revenues exceeding $1.8 billion and employs a workforce of over 40,000 people across more than 220 airports. This acquisition continues a trend of aggressive inorganic growth for the Atlanta-based company, following its 2024 acquisition of Prospect Airport Services and its 2023 entry into the UK market via Up & Away.
Viggo operates as a critical player in the Dutch market, handling over 75,000 flights annually. The company holds a unique position as the exclusive ground handler at Eindhoven Airport (EIN), a regional hub that guarantees stable market share. Additionally, Viggo operates at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), where it serves major international carriers including Transavia, Air Europa, Icelandair, ITA Airways, and Etihad.
In a statement regarding the acquisition, Unifi CEO Gautam Thakkar emphasized the cultural and operational alignment between the two organizations.
“Viggo reflects what we look for in organizations, a strong commitment to putting people first and delivering exceptional service. This acquisition represents an important step in Unifi’s global growth strategy.”
, Gautam Thakkar, CEO of Unifi Aviation
Martijn Limburg, CEO of Viggo, noted that the merger would enhance reliability for their airline partners. “By combining Viggo’s capabilities and strong presence in the Netherlands with Unifi’s global scale, we are well positioned to provide our airline partners with additional support and long-term reliability.”
, Martijn Limburg, CEO of Viggo
At AirPro News, we observe that this acquisition offers Unifi more than just a geographic footprint; it provides access to proprietary technology that aligns with the company’s focus on operational predictability. Viggo is distinct among ground handlers for its “Smart Solutions” division, which utilizes data-driven tools like ViCap for capacity planning and ShiftGenerator for workforce optimization.
The integration of these technologies could allow Unifi to export Dutch efficiency models across its vast North American network. Furthermore, the acquisition alters the competitive landscape in the Netherlands. By absorbing Viggo, Unifi instantly becomes a credible challenger to global giants such as Swissport, dnata, and Menzies Aviation, particularly at Schiphol where Viggo has positioned itself as a high-service alternative to mass-market handlers.
It is also important to clarify for our readers that the acquired entity is Viggo Eindhoven Airport B.V., the ground handling specialist. This transaction is unrelated to the Danish company also named Viggo, which operates an electric ride-hailing service.
What does Viggo do? Does this deal include new technology for Unifi? Who owns Unifi Aviation? Sources: PR Newswire
Unifi Aviation Enters Continental Europe with Strategic Acquisition of Dutch Handler Viggo
Operational Scale and Market Impact
Leadership Commentary
AirPro News Analysis: Technology and Market Positioning
Frequently Asked Questions
Viggo is a Dutch ground handling company providing passenger and ramp services. It is the exclusive handler at Eindhoven Airport and also operates at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
Yes. Viggo is known for its “Smart Solutions” software, including data tools for predicting passenger flows and optimizing staff shifts, which Unifi may integrate into its broader operations.
Unifi Aviation is part of the Argenbright Group, a privately held provider of workforce solutions in human capital-intensive industries.
Photo Credit: Unifi