The airport operations industry in the Nordics is a vital segment that facilitates air travel and cargo transport across the region. Companies involved offer services such as ground handling, baggage management, security, and passenger support. Increasingly, technology is playing a central role, with innovations in automation and digital solutions improving efficiency and customer experiences. The industry is moving towards sustainability, with a growing emphasis on reducing carbon footprints and implementing eco-friendly practices to accommodate the rising expectations of environmentally conscious travelers. As northern airports continue to expand, new opportunities for investment and collaboration are on the horizon.


The listed investors operating in the Nordics' airport operations sector represent a mix of private equity firms, corporate entities, and venture capitalists. Most are headquartered in Sweden, particularly Stockholm, with varying company sizes that accommodate extensive investment activities. Founded between 1910 and 2016, these investors reported a substantial number of deals in 2024, ranging from tech startups to established companies, showcasing their active participation in the airport operations space. This vibrant ecosystem reflects a concerted effort to enhance services within the aviation sector.


Top 10 Airport Operations Investors in the Nordics


1. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across various sectors and geographies. Among their notable transactions, EQT invested in Unilode Aviation Solutions, a company that provides services related to the aviation industry, indicating their engagement in the airport operations sector. Additionally, EQT has made significant acquisitions and investments in various industries, including a $3.8 billion acquisition of ISS, a global facility services provider, showcasing their capacity to manage large-scale investments. While their portfolio spans multiple sectors, their involvement in aviation through Unilode highlights their potential relevance to airport operations.


2. Accent Equity


Accent Equity is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in investments in private Nordic companies, focusing on enhancing the value of its portfolio through strategic management and investment to create sustainable growth and superior returns. Among their notable transactions, Accent Equity acquired Aviator Airport Alliance Europe in November 2010, a company that provides ground handling services at airports, indicating a direct involvement in the airport operations sector. Additionally, they raised funds for Flygbussarna Airport Coaches, a company that offers transportation services to airports, further showcasing their engagement in the airport operations ecosystem. Accent Equity's diverse portfolio reflects their expertise in investment management across multiple sectors, including those related to airport operations.


3. Ifs

  • Website: ifs.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Sweden
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: ifs

IFS is a corporate investor based in Sweden, founded in 1983, with a workforce of 5001-10000 employees. The company specializes in providing enterprise software solutions across various industries, including Aerospace, Energy, Construction, and Manufacturing. IFS's offerings, such as IFS Cloud, Asset Management, and Field Service Management, are designed to optimize operations and enhance service delivery for businesses. Notably, IFS has made strategic acquisitions that align with the aviation sector, including the acquisition of Mxi Technologies Ltd., which focuses on maintenance management software for the aviation industry. This acquisition, announced in December 2016, highlights IFS's commitment to enhancing operational efficiencies in aviation. Additionally, IFS's recent acquisition of EmpowerMX in July 2024 further emphasizes their ongoing interest in sectors that intersect with aviation and potentially airport operations.


4. ASSA ABLOY Group

  • Website: assaabloy.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: assaabloy

ASSA ABLOY Group, founded in 1994 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, is a leading provider of security solutions, focusing on locks, doors, gates, and entrance automation. The company has established itself as a leader in the security industry through innovation and a diverse product portfolio. Notably, in July 2024, ASSA ABLOY announced the acquisition of SKIDATA, a company specializing in access control and parking management, for an enterprise value of EUR 340 million. This acquisition is particularly relevant to airport operations, as it enhances ASSA ABLOY's capabilities in providing security and access solutions critical for airport environments. Additionally, their past acquisitions, such as RFID inlay manufacturers for electronic passports, further demonstrate their commitment to integrating advanced security technologies that are essential in the aviation sector. Overall, ASSA ABLOY's focus on security and access control positions them as a significant player in the airport operations industry.


5. Creandum

  • Website: creandum.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: creandum

Creandum is a venture capital firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in building global, category-defining companies across various sectors, including fintech and health tech. Creandum provides venture capital investment, strategic support, and networking opportunities to startups, nurturing them from seed to IPO. Notably, Creandum has participated in funding rounds for companies like cargo.one, a digital booking platform for air cargo, which raised significant capital to expand its services in North America and Asia. Additionally, Creandum has invested in Distribusion Technologies, a B2B ground transportation marketplace, which, while not directly related to airport operations, operates within the broader travel and logistics ecosystem. These transactions highlight Creandum's engagement in sectors that intersect with airport operations, particularly in air cargo and travel tech.


6. Securitas Group


Securitas Group, founded in 1934 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, is a leading corporate investor in security services. With over 10,000 employees, the company specializes in a wide range of security solutions, including advisory services, on-site guarding, and technology-driven security. Securitas serves various industries, including aviation, construction, and retail, helping clients protect their assets and ensure safety through tailored security measures. Notably, Securitas Transport Aviation Services USA acquired Global Elite Group in January 2019 for approximately $22 million, a strategic move to expand their footprint in the aviation industry and enhance their service offerings in the commercial market. This acquisition underscores Securitas's commitment to the aviation sector, making them a relevant player in airport operations.


7. Kone

  • Website: kone.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 1910
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: kone

KONE Corporation is a leading manufacturer in the elevator and escalator industry, providing innovative solutions for vertical transportation. Founded in 1910 and based in Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland, KONE serves businesses and organizations in the construction and real estate sectors, helping them manage people flow in urban environments. KONE's product offerings include elevators, escalators, and automatic doors, along with maintenance and modernization services. Notably, KONE has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its market position, including the acquisition of Metro Elevator Company, Inc. in the U.S. and Janzhoff Aufzüge GmbH in Germany. These transactions reflect KONE's commitment to expanding its footprint in the vertical transportation sector, which is crucial for airport operations where efficient movement of passengers is essential.


8. Konecranes

  • Website: konecranes.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Hyvinkää, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: konecranes

Konecranes Oyj is a corporate investor based in Hyvinkää, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 1994. The company specializes in the manufacture and service of cranes and lifting equipment, providing a wide range of products and services to various industries, including automotive, manufacturing, and shipping. Konecranes focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and safety, operating globally with both equipment and maintenance services. In recent years, Konecranes has made several strategic acquisitions that bolster its position in the logistics and handling sectors. Notably, the acquisition of Peinemann Port Services and Container Handling in 2024 enhances their capabilities in port operations, which can be closely related to airport logistics. Additionally, their acquisition of SMV Lifttrucks AB, a company specializing in container handling equipment, further strengthens their portfolio in handling solutions that could be applicable in airport operations. These transactions reflect Konecranes' commitment to expanding its influence in sectors that intersect with airport operations, particularly in cargo and logistics handling.


9. Superhero Capital


Superhero Capital is a venture capital firm based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in seed funding for software-driven startups in the New Nordics region, providing financial backing and strategic support to entrepreneurs. Superhero Capital aims to empower founders and foster innovation in the technology sector. Notably, they have invested in Lygg, an air mobility startup that raised €3.6 million to expand its private aircraft routes, indicating their engagement in the aviation industry. Additionally, they led a seed funding round for MyDello, a logistics startup, which, while not directly related to airport operations, showcases their interest in transportation and logistics solutions. These transactions highlight Superhero Capital's potential relevance to the airport operations sector, particularly in innovative air mobility solutions.


10. Nordic Eye Venture & Growth Capital

  • Website: nordiceye.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: nordic-eye

Nordic Eye Venture & Growth Capital is a venture capital firm based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in investing in growth companies within the technology and lifestyle sectors, providing capital and strategic support to help startups scale and achieve market fit. Nordic Eye focuses on high revenue potential and collaborates closely with its portfolio companies to drive growth and successful exits. Notably, Nordic Eye has invested in AirHelp, a startup that offers online legal services for air passengers, which highlights their engagement in the air travel sector. Additionally, they led a funding round for LuggageHero, a company that provides luggage-storage solutions, further emphasizing their interest in businesses that operate within the airport operations context. These transactions reflect Nordic Eye's commitment to supporting innovative solutions that enhance the travel experience.



Airport Operations Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Accent EquityStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019944
IfsSweden5001-1000019832
ASSA ABLOY GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden10001+199421
CreandumStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-50200317
Securitas GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden10001+19340
KoneEspoo, Uusimaa, Finland10001+19101
KonecranesHyvinkää, Uusimaa, Finland10001+19944
Superhero CapitalHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland1-1020157
Nordic Eye Venture & Growth CapitalCopenhagen, Denmark11-5020160


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