Swissport is set to cut more than half of its UK workforce as air companies struggle with the effects of the coronavirus crisis.
The firm said it was consulting on cutting up to 4,556 jobs.
Chief executive Jason Holt said the company had to reduce the size of its workforce to survive.
Swissport operates at airports across the UK, including Heathrow and Gatwick, which are among those badly hit by the crisis.
Air travel collapsed around the world after governments imposed travel restrictions during coronavirus lockdowns.
While some airlines are making plans to start flying some routes again as lockdowns lift, Swissport has said its revenue is forecast to be almost 50% lower than last year due to the crisis.
Mr Holt said in a message to staff: "We must do this to secure the lifeline of funding from lenders and investors to protect as many jobs as possible in the UK and Ireland.
"It's true that we've seen tough times before - volcanic cloud, 9/11, the financial crisis - and we've weathered these. But this time it's different. We have never seen anything like Covid-19 in our lifetimes.
"We are now facing a long period of uncertainty and reduced flight numbers, along with significant changes taking place to the way people travel and the way goods move around the world.
"There is no escaping the fact that the industry is now smaller than it was, and it will remain so for some time to come."
Swissport employs about 8,500 workers at airports, including baggage handlers and check-in staff.
The Department for Transport has consistently said that while the aviation sector is important to the UK economy, all firms, including aviation companies, should first explore existing government schemes and try to raise capital from investors before the government will consider the situation of individual firms.
Industry association Airlines UK responded to Swissport's announcement by repeating its call for targeted government assistance for the sector.
"The need for a stimulus package of measures for the industry is now even more vital," said chief executive Tim Alderslade.
Next Monday, the government is expected to make an announcement on international travel corridors, which would allow people from the UK to visit selected countries without having to face a 14-day quarantine on their return.
source: BBC News