Aviation handling gets boost as NAHCO deploys support equipment

The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc, (nahco aviance) recently commissioned and deployed, yet again, another batch of multi-million-dollar ground support equipment (GSE) to enhance its operations countrywide.

At the event, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, Dr. Seinde Oladapo Fadeni, reiterated the plan of the Board of the company to ensure that the Company boasts of more than adequate equipment by year end 2026.

Fadeni disclosed that the process for acquiring the new equipment started last year, but the Company had to endure delivery delays while the manufacturer finishes producing and shipping to Nigeria.

He Stated, “The essence of these equipment is not just for the company alone or for the customers, it is also to make life easier for the workers. I can confirm to you that we have a lot in our cap, and we’re bringing them out one by one.”

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Didier Stuellet, the Chief Operating Officer of the Company, commended the Chairman and Board of the Company for investing heavily in equipment for the Company.

“It’s a huge investment. We’re talking about millions, not in naira, but in dollars, and so this is always difficult for the owners of a company like this to take a decision like this; to take the best decision. This is the best decision for NAHCO,” the COO said.

He also explained that it is also a clear message that the Company will make complete refleeting of equipment happen in the long term, adding that NAHCO is more than halfway into that process. “We still have some equipment coming in the coming months, years” he declared.

Charles Karinga, the Head, GSE, noted that the acquisition of nine brand new high loaders by NAHCO was a huge one in the history of Nigerian aviation and that not many ground handling service providers in the region could acquire so much equipment at the same time.

He described a high loader as a ground support equipment, equipped with a high-reach lift mechanism to load or unload items, cargo, food, drinks, cleared for air transportation.

“Buying this number of high loaders at this same time is not something that is normally done by many handlers in this clime because they are very expensive. This is the first time this would be happening,” Karinga stated.

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The GSE Manager also pointed out that the brand of the equipment deployed by the Company is one of the very best in the industry and would serve the Company and its airline clients for several years.

It would be recalled that at the launch of the GSE refleeting programme in 2024, the Chairman of the Company, Fadeni said, ““By 2026, we will have acquired all the necessary equipment to fully upgrade our fleet.

“This initial delivery marks the beginning of significant advancements for NAHCO and our operational practices. Despite unforeseen delays from manufacturers and port authorities, we have now initiated a consistent delivery schedule. This milestone signals the start of numerous positive transformations across various aspects of our business, including our workforce, facilities, and equipment.”

Since then, the Company had taken delivery of new ground support equipment every quarter.